FOOTBALL journalist Adam Goodwin (@AGJournalism) takes a previews the Gunners visit to West Ham in Saturday's Premier League early kick-off.
West Ham v Arsenal | Saturday 12th January 2019, 12:30 | Sky Sports
West Ham
The Hammers have been looked good in parts at home so far this season, but have been too inconsistent. They went their first three games of the season at the London Stadium without a win but, since then, have scored 15 goals in seven games (W4 D1 L3).
They’ve only scored in one game they’ve played against their fellow top sides half at home so far this season and that was in a 3-1 win over Manchester United. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have scored two or more goals nine times throughout this campaign though. and when their frontline is firing, it’s very hard to stop.
The Marko Arnautovic certainly won’t help West Ham, however, with the Austrian reportedly wanting a move to the Chinese Super League. If he doesn’t play, it would leave West Ham a little short in attack. It could mean that Lucas Perez is given the opportunity to start against his former club though.
Arsenal
After Southampton stopped their 22-game unbeaten run, Arsenal’s performances have looked a lot less assured and a lot more anxious. It hasn’t helped that almost their whole defence has either been injured, suspended or not fully fit, and it looks like Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding could be all out for this one.
They’re without a win in their last four away games, with the most recent of those being a 4-1 thrashing by Liverpool. They have scored an impressive amount of goals away from the Emirates this season, however. Unai Emery’s side have bagged 22 goals in 10 games on the road this campaign, including scoring five away at Fulham in October.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are continuing to get on the scoresheet, with the duo collectively scoring 21 goals between them this season. You can expect one, if not both, of them to be putting in the back of the net this weekend.
Best bets
14/21 (67%) of Arsenal’s game this season have seen over 2.5 goals and 9/10 (90%) of their away games have also seen three or more goals. As for West Ham, over 2.5 goals has landed in 12/21 (57%) of their matches during 2018/19, and at home that figure rises to 7/11 (64%).
You can back over 2.5 goals and both teams to score at 3/4 with Coral and all the stats point to this bet landing.
Best Bet
Over 2.5 Goals (3/4 Coral)
