Kick-off: Saturday, 30th November 2024, at 17:30 GMT

On Saturday evening, West Ham United host Arsenal at the London Stadium in what promises to be a thrilling Premier League encounter. Arsenal are aiming to stay in the title race, while West Ham are fighting to secure a solid top-half finish. This London derby is always an intense and fiercely contested affair, with both sides eager to claim bragging rights.

Form Analysis: West Ham United

a logo of a football team

West Ham have enjoyed a respectable campaign so far, sitting 8th in the table with 23 points from 13 matches. Their record of seven wins, two draws, and four losses demonstrates their consistency, though their defensive frailties have been a recurring issue. The Hammers have scored 20 goals this season but conceded 16, often struggling to keep clean sheets against top-tier opposition.

In their last five matches, West Ham have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss. A 2-1 victory over Aston Villa highlighted their ability to grind out results, with Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá leading the charge. However, their 1-3 defeat to Liverpool exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly when faced with high-pressing teams.

Key players for West Ham include Bowen, who has been their standout performer with his creativity and goalscoring, and Paquetá, who provides flair and control in midfield. Michail Antonio remains a physical presence up front, while Kurt Zouma anchors the defence.

Form Analysis: Arsenal

a red blue and gold shield with a cannon and text

Arsenal are having an excellent season, currently sitting in 2nd place with 32 points from 13 matches. They boast a record of 10 wins, two draws, and just one loss, making them one of the league’s most consistent teams. The Gunners have scored 29 goals while conceding only 11, highlighting their balance between attack and defence.

In their last five matches, Arsenal have secured four wins and one draw. A dominant 3-0 victory over Burnley showcased their attacking prowess, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both on the scoresheet. Their 1-1 draw with Manchester City was a testament to their resilience against strong opposition.

Arsenal’s key players include Saka, who continues to shine with his creativity and goalscoring, and Martin Ødegaard, who orchestrates their midfield with vision and precision. In defence, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have formed a solid partnership, while Aaron Ramsdale remains a reliable presence in goal.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Arsenal have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings. Their most recent encounter, in April 2024, ended in a 2-0 victory for the Gunners, with goals from Saka and Ødegaard. West Ham’s last win over Arsenal came in December 2019, a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium.

Arsenal’s ability to control possession and create chances has often been too much for West Ham, who struggle to contain the Gunners’ attacking quality. West Ham, however, have occasionally troubled Arsenal with their physicality and counterattacking threat.

Tactical Analysis

West Ham are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Bowen and Paquetá will be key in creating chances, while Antonio will aim to unsettle Arsenal’s defence with his physicality. Declan Rice will look to dominate the midfield battle, breaking up Arsenal’s attacks and initiating counters.

Arsenal are likely to stick to their preferred 4-3-3 system, which emphasises high pressing and fluid attacking play. Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will look to exploit West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities on the wings, while Jesus provides a clinical edge up front. Ødegaard will orchestrate the midfield, while Saliba and Gabriel will be tasked with containing Antonio’s physical threat.

Predicted Lineups

  • West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Alphonse Areola – Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmieri – Declan Rice, Tomáš Souček – Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, Saïd Benrahma – Michail Antonio.
  • Arsenal (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale – Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko – Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey – Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli.

Betting Options and Odds

  1. Arsenal to Win (Odds: 1.80): Arsenal’s excellent form and superior quality make them strong favourites.
  2. Over 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.90): Both teams possess attacking firepower, suggesting a high-scoring game.
  3. Bukayo Saka to Score Anytime (Odds: 2.30): Saka’s form and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses make him a great bet.

Betting Tip & Prediction: West Ham United – Arsenal (30.11.2024)

Arsenal’s attacking quality and defensive organisation give them the edge in this London derby. West Ham’s home advantage and physicality could pose some challenges, but Arsenal’s superior form should see them through.
Prediction: Arsenal to Win (Odds: 1.80), with a likely scoreline of 2-1 or 3-1 in favour of the visitors.