Premier League action continues as West Ham United hosts Arsenal at London Stadium on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, at 11:30 PM (GMT). With David Moyes at the helm, West Ham will aim to leverage their home advantage and secure a vital result. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will look to maintain their strong form as they aim to stay in the title race.
West Ham vs Arsenal Form Guide
West Ham
West Ham, managed by David Moyes, has relied on their wing play and physicality to trouble opponents this season. Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen have been standout performers, contributing goals and creativity. However, the Hammers’ vulnerability in possession and susceptibility to counter-attacks could be a significant concern against a dynamic Arsenal side.
Arsenal
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, continues to impress with their aggressive, possession-based football. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard have been pivotal in creating chances and controlling games. The Gunners’ defensive discipline, especially against set pieces, has been a strong point, though they have occasionally struggled against long-range strikes.
West Ham vs Arsenal Key Battles
Tomas Soucek vs Bukayo Saka
West Ham’s top scorer, Tomas Soucek (3 goals), will need to capitalize on any set-piece opportunities to trouble Arsenal’s defense. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s leading scorer (4 goals), will aim to exploit West Ham’s defensive frailties with his pace and trickery.
Jarrod Bowen vs Kai Havertz
Jarrod Bowen, with 6 goal contributions (goals + assists), will be a key player for West Ham, while Kai Havertz (5 goal contributions) will look to make an impact for Arsenal by linking midfield with attack and creating scoring opportunities.
West Ham vs Arsenal Tactical Outlook
West Ham is likely to adopt a defensive approach, focusing on long balls and attacking down the right flank. Moyes will emphasize consistency in the starting XI, aiming to utilize the aerial prowess of players like Soucek and Antonio.
Arsenal will look to dominate possession and control the game in West Ham’s half. Arteta’s side is expected to press aggressively and attack down the right flank, with Saka and Ødegaard orchestrating the offense.
Head-to-Head Encounters
In their previous meetings, Arsenal has dominated the fixture with 20 wins compared to West Ham’s 4, along with 4 draws. Bookmakers favor Arsenal to win this encounter, with odds of 1.42 for an Arsenal victory, 4.50 for a draw, and 7.00 for a West Ham win.
Read More: Football Prediction | Wolverhampton vs Bournemouth | EPL 2024 | Nov 30
Injury News and Suspensions
West Ham
Mohammed Kudus is currently suspended, sidelining the talented midfielder from contributing to his team’s efforts. Meanwhile, Niclas Füllkrug is grappling with an Achilles tendon injury, a setback that could require careful management and recovery time to ensure he returns to full fitness. Both absences are significant blows to their respective teams, potentially impacting upcoming matches.
Arsenal
Ben White is currently sidelined with a knee injury, with his return anticipated in late January 2025. Similarly, Takehiro Tomiyasu is also recovering from a knee injury, but his return is expected earlier, in early December 2024. The absence of these key defensive players poses challenges for their team’s backline, emphasizing the need for effective squad rotation and adaptability in their absence.
West Ham vs Arsenal Possible Playing Squad
West Ham
Fabianski (GK), Emerson, Kilman, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka, Álvarez, Rodríguez, Paquetá, Soucek, Bowen, Antonio
Arsenal
Raya (GK), Calafiori, Magalhães, Saliba, Timber, Rice, Partey, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Ham vs Arsenal | Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 11:30 PM (GMT) | Premier League | London Stadium |
Match Prediction
West Ham’s home advantage and physicality could pose problems for Arsenal, but the Gunners’ attacking firepower and tactical discipline make them strong favorites. Arsenal is expected to dominate possession and create multiple scoring opportunities.
Score Prediction
A 3-1 victory for Arsenal seems likely, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli leading the charge for the Gunners, while Tomas Soucek could score for West Ham.
Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.