West Ham United visit Arsenal on Saturday bidding to build on a positive first performance under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The former Nottingham Forest manager replaced Graham Potter last Saturday and was tasked with turning the Hammers’ fortunes around.
Despite having a limited amount of time to work with the players, Nuno’s influence was clear to see as the team recorded a 1-1 draw at Everton on Monday evening. West Ham stuttered in the first-half, but stepped things up after the break. Jarrod Bowen’s 65th minute equaliser secured a valuable point.
While the Hammers remain in the relegation zone, their second half performance demonstrated that they have the ability to start climbing the table. They face a daunting test this weekend, with Arsenal once again embarking on another bid to end their Premier League title drought.
Eight of West Ham’s last 11 head-to-heads against fellow capital clubs have ended in defeat – a record which does not bode well for their chances this weekend, and bookmakers have already installed the visitors as massive underdogs in this game.
For those looking to bet on the game will find value in exploring new betting platforms that offer perks like Betpanda cashback, giving fans an added boost as they look to predict outcomes for the Saturday fixture.
It is worth noting that the Hammers have triumphed on their last two trips to the Emirates Stadium and will be eager to upset the odds on their latest visit, although Arsenal’s current form means this is a long, long shot.
The Gunners could temporarily move to the top of the table with a victory and will fancy their chances of setting the record straight on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a really tough game,” Nuno said. “It’s a new game, and new things will happen, even though we have a good record there.
“That gives us confidence, but we know we’re facing a good opponent, and it’s going to be a good test.
“All the clubs in the Premier League are big, and full of quality, managed by good coaches. There’s no difference for us – all the opponents are hard to play against.”
Only one team has ever beaten the Gunners away from home in three straight Premier League games or more, highlighting the size of the task facing West Ham.
Nuno will be without Tomas Soucek this weekend, who will serve the final game of his three-match suspension for his sending-off in the loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is doubtful for the trip across the capital, although Nuno confirmed that 22 players trained for the fixture this morning.
Bowen will be crucial to West Ham’s hopes this weekend. He bagged the only goal in West Ham’s 1-0 success at the Emirates last season – his fifth career goal against Arsenal in all competitions.
Defensive solidity will also be hugely important given that no Premier League team has conceded more goals than West Ham this term.
Crosses into the box have been a major issue, a point evidenced against Everton as Michael Keane headed home from James Garner’s in-swinging delivery.
West Ham have conceded the most goals from corners of any team in the top-flight this season, and Nuno has been working hard to eradicate the issues.
“It’s a problem we have to solve,” Nuno added. “I think we improved in the last game, and it’s something we’re really trying to address.
“Set-pieces have a huge impact on the game, and we have to improve. It’s going to be a big test on Saturday.
“We are trying to know the players better as soon as possible, so we can make solutions. The mindset is on what the team needs, and we need all the squad.
“The main message passed to me is that we need to compete, be strong and brave. This is the West Ham way, so let’s try.”
Predicted starting XI: Areola, Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf, Magassa, Bowen, Fernandes, Paqueta, Summerville, Fullkrug.