- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 5 Mar, 2025
Arsenal's Strong Form Against London Rivals
Arsenal is set to host West Ham in a crucial Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday. With the Gunners sitting third in the league and eyeing the leaders Liverpool, there's plenty at stake. Unbeaten in their last 13 London derbies, Arsenal's confidence is high. However, this fixture reminds them of a rare blip 14 months ago when they last faced defeat at the hands of the Hammers.
Manager Mikel Arteta's side has been a force at home, boasting consistent performances and maintaining a level of play that puts them in good stead to capitalize on West Ham’s current vulnerabilities.
West Ham's Struggles Under Graham Potter
West Ham, now guided by interim manager Graham Potter following Julen Lopetegui’s exit, has been struggling to find their rhythm. Winning just one of their last seven league games, they perch precariously at 16th in the standings. With only a 10-point buffer from the relegation zone, every match counts in their battle to stay afloat.
The betting markets reflect this struggle, giving West Ham only a 6.9% chance of winning. The defensive fragilities are stark, having conceded 47 goals this season - a worrying stat when up against an attack-minded team like Arsenal.
Experts are leaning towards betting options that account for a potentially close game. For instance, the West Ham +1.75 Asian Handicap at -119 could be a strategic choice, considering Arsenal's past large margin victories including a memorable 6-0 triumph over West Ham in previous encounters.
Meanwhile, referee Craig Pawson, who was in charge during Arsenal’s last big win against West Ham, will once again take center stage. His presence perhaps fortifies the speculative confidence in another Arsenal victory.
In terms of predicted scorelines, anticipated results suggest Arsenal edging out their opponents with scores like 2-0 or 1-0 being popular picks among pundits. There's also speculation around the total goals and corners, with Arsenal’s games recently averaging under 7.5 corners.
The stakes and odds make this matchup a fascinating spectacle for fans and bettors alike. Arsenal's consistency and West Ham's current predicament make the encounter a potentially one-sided affair, unless the Hammers can summon an extraordinary performance against the odds.