Arsenal vs West Ham: Premier League: Match Preview & Prediction

Mikel Arteta will face off against his former manager David Moyes when West Ham travels to the north of London to face an in-form Arsenal in the second Gameweek of 2020-21 Premier League season.

When David Moyes signed a Spanish youngster from Real Sociedad for Everton, he had no idea that the midfielder would go on to become the club captain and later on become the manager of one of the biggest Premier League clubs in Arsenal. Will Arteta get one over Moyes?

Arsenal looked a top side as they easily dispatched newly-promoted Fulham on the opening day of the season. Everything clicked for the Gunners as debutantes Willian and Gabriel Magalhaesn scored in a handsome clean sheet win away from home.

However, West Ham looked terrible as they lost at home against a resurgent Newcastle. There have been rumours of a dressing room rift as the club captain Mark Noble publicly voiced his opinion against the sale of youngster Grady Diangana.

Last time out

Alexandre Lacazette was on target as Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners as these two London sides faced off against each other last time out.

Team News

For Arsenal, former captain Granit Xhaka is a doubtful starter for this home clash. Dani Ceballos may come in place of him. David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Pablo Mari are all out injured, which again paves the way for a Rob Holding start.

For the Hammers, Manuel Lanzini has recovered and may start for them. There may be some changes from their starting eleven from the previous match given their lack-lustre performance. Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller are more than able options.

Key Battles

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Issa Diop

Club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be buzzing after signing a new deal recently. The world-class forward is a constant threat and will be looking to accumulate some goals against this weak West Ham defence.

The 2018-19 Premier League Golden Boot winner scored on the opening day, which spells trouble for Diop. The French defender was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise poor last season for the Hammers and he will be given the task to stop the Auba juggernaut.

Diop possesses tremendous clearance and interception ability and he should be on his toes to stop this improving Arsenal team led by Aubameyang. It’s a Herculean task but not an impossible one.

Kieran Tierney vs Jarrod Bowen 

Tierney is in his second season with the Gunners and he looks a great prospect both in attack and defence. The Scottish left-back can play as a wing-back as well as the left-sided centre back, giving Arteta plenty of options. 

Bowen was a consistent scorer for Hull City before he signed for the Hammers. However, things have not been great for the Englishman, but the talent is there and he could turn things around real quick. 

Tierney would look to stifle Bowen as West Ham looks to feed him to have a run on the wings. Whoever comes out on top will ensure that their team ends on the winning side. Looks like a mouth-watering battle is on the cards.

Prediction

Arsenal have won 10 of their last 11 home matches against West Ham in all competitions winning six of their last seven home matches in the Premier League. They are also coming off a strong showing in the first Gameweek and looks a threatening side, with a strong home record to boast of.

David Moyes’ side looks poor and have lost nine of their last 10 away matches in the Premier League. This trip to north London marks the start of a difficult run of fixtures for the Hammers and with this form, they look set to be in a relegation battle at the end of the season.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham