Arsenal would be looking to maintain momentum after its return to the Premier League. The Gunners are the best side in the league this season and would be looking to extend their gap at the top. West Ham has yet to be in top form and would be looking to restart their campaign with a win against the league leaders.
Arsenal’s title hopes received a boost after Manchester City’s loss before the break. Mikel Arteta’s team has seen a resurgence in their performances this season and has outplayed many top teams in the league. After a good summer window which saw them strengthen their defense and attack, Arsenal odds to compete for the title are still a great option among punters.
West Ham was on a poor run of form in the Premier League just before the break and would be looking to turn their season around as they are close to the relegation zone. The Hammers have been superb in European competitions but have yet to replicate those successes at a domestic level.
| Tournament: | English Premier League, season 2022-23, Matchday 17 |
| Venue: | Emirates Stadium, London, England |
| Date: | 8:00 p.m. GMT on Monday, 26 December 2022 |
Considering the strength and performances of both teams this season, it is not surprising to see Arsenal priced as the favorite in this game. The Gunners are pegged at 1.50 (1/2) to secure all three points, while West Ham is the underdog at 6.00 (5/1). The bookmakers have set the odds for a draw outcome at 4.33 (10/3).
Arsenal is having one of its best starts to a Premier League season. They are currently top of the league with five points after 14 matches and can extend that lead with a win in this game. Mikel Arteta’s last game in the Premier League was a two-nil win against Wolves – their twelfth win in 14 Premier League games this season. Arsenal lost against Juventus in a friendly game last week, but they would be looking to resume their league campaign with a win at the Emirates.
West Ham finds themselves in danger of relegation after 14 games. They are only four points ahead of the Wolves, who occupy the bottom spot. The Hammers have just four wins in the league this season – the third-lowest win rate in the English Premier League. West Ham was knocked out of the EFL Cup by Blackburn Rovers just before the break and lost their last Premier League game against Leicester City. David Moyes’ side has to step up if they are to take anything away from an in-form Arsenal side.
Arsenal is very successful in the overall meetings between these two teams. They have a win rate of over 75% against West Ham, including back-to-back wins heading into this game, while the Hammers have won less than 10% of those games.
Arsenal: LWWWL
West Ham: DWWLD
Arsenal is simply the most consistent team in the league this season and has gotten very good results against most teams in the top six this season. The Gunners aren’t expected to struggle against a West Ham side that has been poor this season. Arsenal has the highest number of wins in the English Premier League this year, losing just once in 14 league games. The Gunners have a perfect record at home in the league, with six wins from six games. Arsenal has scored nineteen goals and conceded just seven goals in six home games in the league.
West Ham is facing an uphill task in this game. They have been pretty poor, especially away from home. The Hammers have won just once away from home in the 2022-23 season, with five losses in seven of those games. This season, much of West Ham’s problem has been their ineffectiveness in front of the goal. They have scored just 12 goals in the league and are averaging under a goal per game. West Ham also has poor defense, with only three Premier League clean sheets. This should be an easy win for the Gunners and a good bet on Premier League football.
Arsenal is one of the most entertaining teams in the league, and games involving the Gunners are rarely devoid of goals. Three of their last five games have ended with three goals or more. This fixture between Arsenal and West Ham has produced goals in the last few games, with three of the last five meetings ending with at least three goals. A bet on the over 2.5 goals option is valuable in this fixture.
Bukayo Saka had a great World Cup campaign with England, and Arsenal would be banking on him in this clash. In the absence of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka is the man to lead the line for the Gunners. He already has 10 goal contributions in 16 games for Arsenal. Backing Bukayo Saka to score or assist anytime is a good value bet for punters looking to bet on English football.
Arsenal has a few names ruled out for this clash. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Sambi Lokonga are unavailable for selection.
Michail Antonio and Naif Aguerd aren’t available for West Ham until next year. Kurt Zouma remains doubtful as he is recovering from a knee injury.
The English Premier League returns with Boxing Day fixtures, and this game has a lot of interesting options for punters.
