Arsenal vs West Ham United

1/1- This tie would be a perfect new year starter for both the teams, it was last week’s West Ham performance against Man U that gifted back the top position to Arsenal and now the Gunners would be hosting the same team that beat Man U. Both the teams have shown good form in this premiership season but while Arsenal occupy the top spot, West Ham are comparatively lagging at the ninth spot. While West Ham bettered Man U in a home tie, the league leaders thrashed Everton 1-4 in an away tie in their last match. Both these clubs have faced each other nearly 25 times in the last 15 years and the Gunners have been winners on 14 occasions while there have been 5 draws. Arsenal have only lost one match in this entire premiership season and have a 90% win record at home and this would work in their favor once again.

Arsenal would surely be careful about their moves against West Ham and would not like to have the fate of Man U, with their full squad looking fit and available for selection, Arsene Wenger should not be facing much problems in terms of selection and execution. Also with a 2 point lead the Gunners would be hoping that they can further open up the gap at the top of the table and looking at the injury list Man U would be carrying against Birmingham, this stands a good chance as well.

West Ham have sort of revived their season’s campaign and have won 4 of their last 10 matches, while 4 have been draws. They also have strength away from home and have been the 6th best team while playing away from home. The biggest problem for them would be missing Bellamy and Bowyer, it would be really difficult for the side to upset a side like Arsenal with a second string attack.

Prediction: 2-0 Arsenal win