Arsenal vs West Ham. Prediction and Preview. Probable Lineups, Team News, Stats and more

On 15 December, the Emirate Stadium will open the doors to host round 17 of the English Premier League. Arsenal will face London rival West Ham. Kick-off at 01.30 IST.

The top three in the EPL seem to have been decided, the gap from fourth place is already eight points. Arsenal are not among them, sixth in the table and in a fragile position as of now. What’s more, they have a crucial match on the horizon – the derby will determine who will take the much-coveted 4th spot by the end of Matchday 17. A fascinating West Ham side currently hold a two-point lead over Arsenal, will they strengthen their stance? Let’s find out more about such an intriguing match.

Arsenal News & Current Form:

Arsenal are sitting sixth in the EPL table after 16 games played thanks to 26 points.

The Gunners are back to the winning ways as they had a great game recently against Southampton, claiming a 3-0 thrashing. In the first half, Alexandre Lacazette and Martin Odegaard netted before Gabriel put the game to the bad in the second half by a magnificent header.

Mikel Arteta’s team thus responded perfectly to two defeats earlier in the month. First, Arsenal lost to Manchester United and then to Everton. 

Just at this one:

Yet it must be admitted that even here the Londoners didn’t look too bad. It’s hard not to notice the progress in their game. Particularly evident is the play on set-pieces – they have scored 6 goals this season so far, their best result in recent years.

The only concern is the chances realisation by the attacking line (only 21 goal this season), and the recent events with Pierre-Emeric Aubameyang, who was stripped of his captain’s armband on Tuesday, make things worse.

Official statement from the club:

“Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United. We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed. We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match.”

Moreover, the team’s top scorer has been suspended for both last match and the upcoming match by Arteta.

“What I can say for now is that, you can understand it is a lot to digest and a really difficult decision to make, so we need a bit of time.” Mikel said after being asked on when he will be back in the squad.

Mikel said after being asked on when he will be back in the squad.

West Ham United News & Current Form:

West Ham, meanwhile, are in fourth place with 28 points from 16 games.

The Hammers started December with a 1-1 home draw against Brighton. Surprisingly, David Moyes’s team then earned a 3-2 home win over title-contender Chelsea of Tuchel.

A fantastic result, given that the Londoners had a poor start to the game, twice going down during the course, but eventually they managed to snatch the victory and secure really valuable three points.

Then, once again, they drew, this time 0-0, with Burnley. In matches against such low-tier opponents, it is somehow more difficult for West Ham to handle them compared to the title contenders. We have to mention that, previously, Tottenham and Chelsea lost on the London Olympic Stadium pitch.

The attacking line is looking really good, hitting the opponents’ net 28 times. The visitors were confident in the Europa League group stage as well, where they recorded four victories and one draw in six rounds, which earned them the first position and a ticket to the play-offs.

Arsenal season form guide: W-L-W-L-L-W

West Ham United season form guide (all competitions): W-L-D-W-L-D

Arsenal vs West Ham United Head-To-Head Record:

In recent years, Arsenal have had no problem dismantling their London rivals. However, the last game in March was very impressive from both sides, with Arsenal coming back from 3-0 down to draw the scoreline.

Arsenal vs West Ham United Predicted XI:

Arsenal possible starting lineup (4-4-1-1): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Lacazette 

West Ham United possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Masuaku; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma; Antonio

Statistical preview of the match Arsenal vs West Ham United:

• Arsenal have won 11 of their last 12 home meetings with West Ham and should extend that record in midweek.
• Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 home matches.
• Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 home matches.
• West Ham United have managed only two victories in their last 26 Premier League matches against Arsenal.
• West Ham have suffered only two defeats in their eight away games in the EPL

What has been said before the match:

Mikel Arteta:

“They are impressing everyone so much, and for me one of the best teams in the league. This period… the  understanding that they have, the clarity in what they want to do and how much they are able to hurt teams with the way they play has been impressive and they have been really really consistent. It’s a big game because of the position they are in, and the position we want to be in. Tomorrow we have the opportunity at home, in front of our people to do that. That would be a big, big boost.”

David Moyes:

“We’re in a great position where we’re going into the game ahead of Arsenal. We finished ahead of them last season which was a big achievement. We’re a little bit of the Club which other teams are trying to catch and challenge at the moment, so I’m saying ‘bring it on’ – we’ll take it on and see how we get on. We feel as if we can play against any team. It’s huge. We’re in a strong position and will try to stay there as long as we can. We’re not looking back – we’re trying to see if we can catch the teams above us – but we’re well aware of the strength of the teams below us.”

Arsenal vs West Ham United Prediction: 

This game is not only a game of principle, but will also be decisive in determining the positions in the standings. Both sides deserve to win, but tonight we will give preference to Arsenal, who will play with the support of their fans – they have a really good record on home soil. We believe that experience and motivation will help Arsenal clinch another win in the capital city derby.

Don`t miss out 👉: Confirmed: Brentford Vs Man Utd to be rearranged due to COVID-19 outbreak

Parimatch News staff prediction: 

We say: Arsenal to win the match.