West Ham United - Arsenal predictions and free betting tips [11/02/2024]

Today as part of the 24th tour of the EPL, West Ham is set to host Arsenal on their home ground. A week ago, Mikel Arteta's charges thrashed Liverpool with a score of 3:1, whereas the "Hammers" fell to Manchester United (3:0) and are now trailing behind the European cup zone by 10 points. 

Projected Lineups

West Ham: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguero, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Johnson, Ward-Prowse, Kudus; Bowen.
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli. 

West Ham 

Currently securing the 7th place in the Premier League and trailing 8 points behind the 5th place, West Ham will have to earn a ticket to the European cups through a domestic cup triumph. The London club closed off 2023 on a major note with three consecutive victories, but it significantly decelerated in January. After sharing points with Brighton (0:0), Sheffield United (2:2), and Bournemouth (1:1), David Moyes' players lost heavily to Manchester United last weekend (3:0). Rasmus Hojland tallied a goal, while Alejandro Garnacho sealed it with a brace. This campaign, only Manchester City and Everton beat West Ham away, but the hosts have failed to embark on a seven-match unbeaten run in the league at home since the 2015-16 season.

The host team has qualified for the 1/8 finals of the Europa League, so they can focus on the EPL until March. West Ham still can't count on their best bombardier Antonio and key playmaker Paqueta. Additionally, in the last tour, the main goalkeeper Areola got injured - experienced Fabianski should step in as a substitution. Central defender Aguero has returned to the squad after the Africa Cup, while forwards Kudus (6 goals) and Bowen (11 goals) are responsible for the attack creativity. This winter, West Ham loaned England international Kelvin Phillips (Manchester City). German defender Kehrer (Monaco) and Algerian winger Benrahma (Lyon) left for Ligue 1, while attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals moved to Betis.

Arsenal

In the previous season, Arsenal came close to a title, thus the capital's grand team is once again aiming to climb to the top of the table. At the moment, the "Gunners" are in the 3rd place in the Premier League, lagging behind the top spot by 2 points. The white-reds raised concerns among their fans after losing many points in December but picked up good form in 2024. After thrashing Crystal Palace (5:0) and Nottingham Forest (1:2), Arsenal scalped Liverpool last weekend (3:1). Gabriel Magalhaes' own goal levelled the score after a precise hit by Bukayo Saka, but Gabriel Martinelli found the empty net of the Merseysiders after a collective mistake by the opponents' defence, and Leandro Trossard put the final point in the match.

Mikel Arteta's squad advanced to the 1/8 finals of the Champions League and will soon encounter Porto. Dutch defender Timber won't be able to play for Arsenal this upcoming Sunday. The same applies to Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus and midfielders Partey and Fabio Vieira - they are all injured. On the other hand, Japanese centre-back Tomiyasu rejoined the squad after recently withdrawn from the Asia Cup. Wingers Saka (8 goals and 7 assists) and Martinelli (5 goals and 2 assists) should logically start this upcoming Sunday, and they will be aided by Trossard (5 goals). Credit goes to the "Gunners" defence, who have conceded only 22 goals in 23 tours (best score in the EPL) alongside 47 recorded goals.

Head-to-Head

The "Gunners" overcame West Ham in the first round at Emirates with a score of 2:0, although the "Hammers" won the League Cup 1/8 final - 3:1. 

Predictions for the West Ham - Arsenal match

While West Ham rarely trips at the London Stadium, the host team's current form doesn't embolden much hope for the match against a motivated Arsenal. David Moyes' pupils haven't seen success in their last six matches in all competitions and are clearly struggling to organise play. At the same time, considering the victory over Liverpool, "Gunners" have a real shot at the championship, especially as their competitors triumphed earlier in their matches. So the bet is on the white-reds to win the derby.