Arsenal have played excellently in recent weeks, earning five wins out of their last six matches in the Premier League. They have since jumped ahead of Man Utd in the race for third, and are currently just four points behind Man City in second.
Despite possessing an abundance of attacking talent, the key to Arsenal’s good form has been to deploy the previously under-utilised Francis Coquelin as a holding midfielder. Arsène Wenger appears to have accepted that neither Mikel Arteta nor Mathieu Flamini is the answer.
West Ham appear to have lost the momentum that carried them confidently through much of this season. Before taking the field in this London derby against Arsenal on Saturday, they begin at 10th place in the table.
Out of their last six games, West Ham have only taken three points from 18. Their last game was a 1-0 home loss against Chelsea, while the second last was a 3-1 home loss against Crystal Palace. However, there is a small ray of hope, as the two draws came while playing away against Southampton and Spurs.
Expectations
The attacking talents of Arsenal have carried them through recent games. After being so dependent on Alexis Sánchez for much of the season, the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, and Olivier Giroud are stepping up their form. Arsenal will be able to create chances against a West Ham side that is low on confidence.
West Ham appear a little lost, and it is clear that they are not sure how to find themselves. Due to this being a derby, tensions are almost certain to increase. That means mistakes and opportunities could arise. West Ham could easily nick a goal in a 2-1 or 3-1 defeat. Arsenal’s current defence is far from complete.
Match Tips
Tip one: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.65
Tip two: Arsenal and over 2.5 goals @ 2.00