English Premier League - West Ham United VS Arsenal Prediciton
English Premier League - West Ham United VS Arsenal
Match Time:01-12-2024 01:30 Saturday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
West Ham United
Lopetegui encountered fresh problems from their win over Newcastle United, as defender Jean-Clair Todibo hobbled off in the second half. There needs to be clarity on whether the Frenchman will be able to start on Saturday, as former Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos is in line to replace him and start for the Hammers.
Edson Alvarez should also return to the squad, although Lopetegui is likely to start him as Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, and Carlos Soler did enough on Monday to retain their places in the team. In terms of absentees, Mohammed Kudus continues to serve his long ban following how he was sent off against Tottenham. At the same time, striker Niclas Fullkrug remains absent with an injury.
The Hammers are not expected to make too many changes, as Lopetegui will rely on the work rate of Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen up front. Crysencio Summerville will continue to start on the left wing in the absence of Kudus, as Mavropanos might be the only enforced change to the West Ham starting lineup.
Arsenal
Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of key defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who went off against Sporting CP after a stellar defensive performance. Arteta later described the problem as discomfort, and the Brazilian is expected to feature at the back on Saturday.
All eyes will be on Arteta to see whether he surprises the fans with his selections, much like last weekend when the Spaniard rested a host of key stars. Considering how things went in midfield and the team coming through largely unscathed, most of those who played against Sporting are about to start at the London Stadium.
As things stand, Arteta will likely name an unchanged lineup, although he will focus on in-game rotation, keeping the midweek Manchester United game in mind. Hence, the likelihood of a Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Rice midfield seems like the way for the manager.
Similarly, he had started Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus last weekend, and while the dupo have done nothing to suggest they cannot start another game, Arteta is likely to retain his front three from midweek. This means that Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are in line to start up front alongside starman Bukayo Saka.
West Ham United vs Arsenal Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
Arsenal have a good historical record against West Ham United and have won 73 out of the 151 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to West Ham United's 37 victories.
West Ham United have lost 36 matches against Arsenal in the Premier League - the highest number of defeats they have suffered against a single opponent in the history of the competition.
Arsenal have lost only one of their last 16 matches away from home against West Ham United in the Premier League and won this exact fixture by a 6-0 scoreline last season.
West Ham United have lost their last two London derbies at home in the Premier League, with their defeats coming at the hands of Fulham and Chelsea.
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Soler, Summerville; Antonio
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Prediction: West Ham United 1-3 Arsenal
Gooners will fondly remember the early period of 2024, where Arteta's men were ripping defences open for fun, and Arsenal appear to have rediscovered that attacking mojo if their last two displays are anything to go by. Consequently, even a West Ham side that stunted Newcastle should not keep the Gunners at bay for long this weekend, although there should be no repeat of last season's six-goal slamming if that is any consolation for the Irons faithful.
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