Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is backing Arsenal to win 2-1 against West Ham on Wednesday.
West Ham United’s Winston Reid looks dejected after Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez scores their fifth goal to complete his hat trick
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson predicts Arsenal to beat West Ham United 2-1 at the Emirates on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners are heading into this match on the back of a 2-2 draw with Manchester City. The Gunners are sixth in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, and they desperately need wins under their belt.
Arsenal are without a win in their last three Premier League games, and another frustrating result against their London rivals will serve a hammering blow to their top four hopes.
Laurent Koscielny was forced off at half time in the last match after the French international injured his Achilles tendon. He is a major doubt for this tie.
West Ham, on the other hand, are going through a poor run of form at the moment, with the Hammers having not won once in their last six Premier League games.
The dip in form has not only seen the Hammers dropping down to 14th in the league, but has also put Slaven Bilic’s future in doubt. Although West Ham board are backing their manager, pressure will mount on him unless the results improve.
In the corresponding fixture between the two sides earlier this season, West Ham lost 5-1 at their home turf. In fact, Arsenal have a great record against them, with the Gunners remaining undefeated in 17 of their last 18 matches against West Ham in all competitions.
Merson is expecting Arsenal to win this game considering the way the Hammers are playing. He predicts a 2-1 victory for the Gunners.
“I like Slaven Bilic, I think he’s a good manager, but it’s just one of those seasons,” Merson told Sky Sports. West Ham are struggling at the moment, and you’d expect Arsenal to win this game with the way the Hammers are playing.
“The last 20 minutes against Man City for Arsenal was like an Emirates Cup game, like Austria v West Germany in the World Cup many years back. It was like: “That’s a draw, we’re both happy with that.” Neither side wanted to lose.
“West Ham are struggling, so I’m going with Arsenal,” he added.
What is your prediction for Arsenal v West Ham?
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their first goal with Alexis Sanchez as West Ham United’s Winston Reid looks dejected
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