ARSENAL continue their quest for Premier League glory with a home game against West Ham United on Thursday night.
The Gunners strengthened their title credentials by battling to a 1-1 draw away at Liverpool last weekend, on an evening where I delivered a 7/1 winner in my featured column.
That Anfield stalemate means Mikel Arteta's men found themselves sitting at the top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day for the second season running.
However, with both Liverpool and Aston Villa in action on Boxing Day, Arsenal could well have been knocked off their perch by the time West Ham pitch up at the Emirates.
Following a 5-1 thumping at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup last midweek, David Moyes got the perfect response from his side with a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.
That well-deserved victory propelled the Hammers into the top-six, just two two places and six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
Outright Betting
Arsenal are red-hot 1/3 favourites with Bet 365 as they bid to make it six Premier League home wins on the bounce.
West Ham dumped Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup earlier this season but the same outcome here is as big as 17/2 (Ladbrokes) while an all square affair is also considered unlikely at 9/2 (William Hill).
Betting Angles
I successfully backed Kurt Zouma to commit a foul during West Ham's aforementioned 2-0 win over Manchester United and I'm happy to support the same selection here at 4/5 with Paddy Power.
While Zouma is averaging just 0.6 fouls per-game in the Premier League this season, that figure has been steadily growing in recent weeks.
The bustling centre-half has got on the wrong side of the referee at least once in each of his last four top-flight outings, committing a total of six fouls across that stretch of games.
In fact, the Hammers skipper gave away no fewer than three fouls against Manchester United last time out and he should have his hands full again here when he leads his side against the league leaders.
While the visitors will feel they can land a blow here, a safety first approach from David Moyes is very likely at the Emirates, and that will ensure his rearguard is assigned plenty of work.
Given the flair and pace that Arsenal possess in forward areas, backing the aforementioned Zouma to be reprimanded just once makes plenty of appeal at 4/5 with PaddyPower.
For reasons already alluded to, I'm also prepared to back the Frenchman to commit two or more fouls at 7/2 with PaddyPower.
This play would have paid out in West Ham and Zouma's most recent outing and the 7/2 (PaddyPower) about the same bet landing in North London is just too big to ignore.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United will be played on Dec 28, 2023 and kick off at 20:15. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
