ARSENAL will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they head to London neighbours West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners surrendered a 2-0 advantage to draw at Liverpool in a captivating contest at Anfield last Sunday, on what was a profitable afternoon for our man Mark Walker.
That means Mikel Arteta's men have seen their lead at the top of the table trimmed to six points and they could make the trip across town this weekend just three points in front given that Man City are in action on Saturday evening.
As such, there is not much room for error for Arsenal in east London on Sunday when they come up against West Ham United.
The Hammers eased their relegation fears with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Fulham last weekend, although David Moyes will know his team cannot afford to be complacent in their bid to beat the drop.
Last time out, West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw by Gent in their Europa Conference league quarter-final first leg, a stalemate which brought up my main bet in Belgium.
Outright Betting
West Ham United, who have avoided defeat in five of their last six Premier League home games, head into this all-London affair as 11/2 (Ladbrokes) underdogs while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 3/1 (William Hill).
Arsenal have triumphed in each of their last three meetings with West Ham and they are short priced 11/20 (Bet 365) favourites to repeat the trick this weekend.
Betting Angles
Here, I think Premier League leaders are if anything a tad short, but merging Arsenal to Win and Over Zero West Ham Cards will bring about a backable 4/5 (Bet 365) shot.
Arsenal know that they can ill afford any slip ups between now and the end of the season if they are to win the title they will have to to get straight back into the swing of things as they look to right last week's wrongs and add another three points to their tally.
Ahead of last Sunday's aforementioned 2-2 draw with Liverpool, the Gunners had claimed top honours in each of their previous seven top-flight fixtures and I suspect they will prove too hot to handle for a West Ham side that have badly underperformed this season.
The Hammers' hardships this term have stemmed from their defensive struggles, with David Moyes' defence failing to shut their opponents in 22 of their 29 league games and Arsenal should have too much quality in their ranks to expose their hosts' defensive weaknesses.
I'm therefore happy to back Arsenal to secure three points at the London Stadium, but to round off the 4/5 (Bet 365)Bet Builder, I'll go with a minimum of one West Ham card.
The home team have been awarded at least one card in 13 of their last 15 Premier League matches and a solitary caution here doesn't look like too much to ask given that table-topping Arsenal should enjoy the lion's share of possession.
What's more, this bet has paid out in each of Arsenal's last five Premier League victories and that only adds to the appeal of siding with the same combination in the capital on Sunday.
Given that he has established himself as Arsenal's talisman this season, I'll also take Bukayo Saka to either Score or Assist at 5/6 with PaddyPower.
The Gunners winger has either notched or provided in 22 of his 30 top-flight appearances this term and he looks worthy of interest to add to that tally against a fragile West Ham side.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal will be played on Apr 16, 2023 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Arsenal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
