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Verdict: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to extend on their Premier League title charge on Thursday night, Arsenal will welcome West Ham to the Emirates.
Arsenal
Starting with the hosts, eventually having to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at title rivals Liverpool last weekend, Arsenal will be relishing a return to north London here. Opening up Christmas Day sat holding a one-point buffer at the top of the table, Mikel Arteta’s young squad are tipped as a standout contender to get their hands on a first domestic crown since 2004. Although the Gunners might have recorded just a single win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions, the ex-Manchester City coach has seen his side gain a reputation for their extended success at the Emirates. Last seen in front of their own supporters landing a deserved 2-0 victory against Brighton, Arsenal have won all of their previous seven straight showdowns at the Emirates – a run that stems all the way back to a 2-2 draw against Tottenham on September 24th.
Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Arsenal will once again be unable to call upon the quartet of Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Fabio Vieira on Thursday night. Not making a Premier League start since December 2nd, former Brighton ace Leandro Trossard could be handed a full recall in north London.
Although England international Bukayo Saka might have notched just a single Premier League strike since the end of September, the 22-year-old will have a leading role to play here. David Raya will once again start between the sticks after dethroning Aaron Ramsadle.
West Ham
As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways over the weekend as they claimed a 2-0 victory against Manchester United, West Ham have continued to gain a string of plaudits this season. Making real history over the summer as they were crowned Europa Conference League champions, David Moyes’ men have their sights set on mounting another top-six charge in the New Year. However, although the Hammers might have continued to shine in east London, the former Manchester United boss will have a headache over his side’s recent issues on the road. Crashing out of the EFL Cup last week following a 5-1 drumming at the hands of Liverpool, West Ham have lost back-to-back away fixtures by an aggregate score of 10-1. Yet to record a single Premier League clean sheet on their travels, Moyes’ men should be bracing themselves for a stern examination here.
Team News
Still dealing with a knee injury and not making a single appearance since returning from November’s international break, West Ham will once again be without Michail Antonio on Thursday night. However, the Hammers are hopeful that Morocco international defender Nayef Aguerd will be available to make a full return in north London.
Already notching 10 Premier League strikes this season, attacking talisman Jarrod Bowen will spearhead West Ham’s charge here. Likewise, continuing to shine since making a summer move from Ajax, the red-hot Mohamed Kudus will partner Bowen in the final third.
Key Factors to Consider
When Arsenal and West Ham last met back on November 1st, the Hammers picked up a 3-1 EFL Cup victory at the London Stadium.
However, Arsenal are unbeaten in all of their other previous eight showdowns against Thursday’s guests.
The Gunners have won all of their last seven appearances at the Emirates across all competitions.
West Ham have lost back-to-back appearances away from the London Stadium by an aggregate score of 10-1.
England international Jarrod Bowen has already notched 10 Premier League strikes this season.
Conclusion
Excited to make a return to north London on Thursday night, Arsenal will be looking to make another title statement here. Opening up Christmas Day holding a one-point buffer over the chasing pack, Arteta’s men will be excited by their continued success on home soil. Winning all of their last seven straight showdowns in front of their own supporters, Arsenal will be confident of exploiting a West Ham squad that have shown some recent issues on the road. Losing back-to-back appearances away from the London Stadium by an aggregate score of 10-1, we are backing a home victory for the title contenders in midweek.
Verdict: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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