Game Week 24 Predictions: Can Arsenal end the drought against West Ham?

Preview: West Ham vs Arsenal - Form, key players, and predictions for the Premier League clash.

Jarrod Bowen and Bukayo Saka are the two leading lights in both squads, which of them will have a telling say on the game? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 

West Ham vs. Arsenal

London Stadium

3:00pm

West Ham United have already beaten Arsenal twice this season; in the second round of the Carabao Cup and the reverse fixture in the Premier League, the momentum is with the hosts.

You might want to be interested in a bit of stature here. West Ham has yet to win a game since beating Arsenal at the Emirates at the end of 2023. The Hammers must rise above their current form; they need to get things kicking again.

Arsenal redefined the Premier League title race with a sensational home win over league leaders Liverpool. It was a game that had everything, from an early goal to a comical leveller, a gift of a lead, a red card, and a late finish to hand Arsenal the cushion they needed.

Arsenal is now five points off the top of the log following Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Burnley at Anfield on Saturday. The Gunners can go level on points with Manchester City and two points behind Liverpool with a win over the Hammers.

West Ham has a huge incentive to go all the way against Arsenal; the Hammers can move up to sixth on the log, above Manchester United, at least until the Red Devils engage Aston Villa much later in the day on Sunday.

How will they line up? The hosts will consider handing another start to Kalvin Phillips. The on-loan midfielder from Manchester City hasn’t had a great start to his West Ham career, but he can offer value in the middle of the park.

James Ward Prowse will be immense from set pieces; Arsenal must do well to avoid committing punishable crimes at the edge of their own box. The Hammers’ midfielder is only one direct free kick away from equaling David Beckham’s record in the Premier League.

Arsenal could welcome back Gabriel Jesus for this game. With Jorginho excelling against Liverpool, it’s left to be seen if Mikel Arteta would return with the same line-up or introduce a tweak. It’s a return to the London Stadium for Declan Rice; how will he fare?

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are two men the hosts must pay attention to. Both were on target against Liverpool; both are capable of hurting anyone on their day; cutting supplies to them and limiting their options when they’re on the ball will be key.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.