Arsenal play host to West Ham United this evening, hoping to make it back-to-back wins for their first home game of the season.
(Betfair odds above – Arsenal win/Draw/West Ham win)
Arsenal followed up their FA Cup and Community Shield successes last weekend by claiming a convincing 3-0 win away to Fulham in the opening game of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.
News of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang committing his future to the club should be a further boost ahead of tonight’s showdown at the Emirates. Their foes should not be taken lightly, though.
While West Ham suffered an opening-day defeat to Newcastle last weekend, a mid-week Carabao Cup win over Charlton got them back on track for the London derby.
Arsenal Form & Stats
Mikel Arteta’s tactical shrewdness and leadership abilities have helped transform Arsenal back into a potential top-four challenger on the back of their FA Cup and Community Shield titles.
The former Gunners captain has been able to make some impressive signings this summer despite lack of resources. Among them are Brazilian pair Willian and Gabriel, who impressed on their debuts against Fulham. William Saliba has arrived to strengthen the defense after spending last term on loan at Saint-Etienne. While Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have rejoined on permanent deals; and Dani Ceballos is back again on loan.
Aubameyang’s new deal, meanwhile, could be another crucial indicator of Arsenal’s progress. It does not only bolster their attacking ranks, but fuels the growing belief that the London side are on the up.
While last weekend’s 3-0 win over Fulham was impressive, though, Arsenal have one of the biggest injury lists with five defenders missing in David Luiz, Calum Chambers, Mari, Shkodran Mustafi, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Key Team Stats
- Have won 10 of their last 11 home matches against West Ham across all competitions.
- Lost their first home game of a new league campaign five times in the last nine seasons (W3 D1 L5).
- Drawn at half-time and then won at the final whistle in the last three home games against West Ham.
- Won six of their last seven league games at home.
West Ham Form & Stats
The Hammers delivered an abysmal performance in their opening-day defeat at home to Newcastle. Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick’s goals sealed a 2-0 win for the visitors, causing the alarm bells in east London to set off.
David Moyes’ side do look in bad shape at the moment after a difficult summer. Grady Diangana’s €13.5m switch to West Brom didn’t win many plaudits, with captain Mark Noble among those unimpressed. The club’s only signing to date, in fact, is a permanent deal for loan star Tomas Soucek from Slavia Prague.
The 3-0 win over League One side Charlton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday was welcome. But they’ll struggle for a repeat against an in-form Arsenal on top of their woeful away form last season (P19 W4 D5 L10).
Key Team Stats
- Only one win in 11 away games against Arsenal.
- Lost their last three London derbies in the league.
- Under 2.5 goals in the last three league games.
- Failed to win nine of their last 10 away league games, but unbeaten in the last three.
Arsenal & West Ham Team News
Arsenal: David Luiz, Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers, Gabriel Martinelli, Shkodran Mustafi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Sokratis (out).
West Ham: No missing players.
Head-To-Head Record
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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