No hope – is how most people will sum up West Ham’s chances on Boxing Day. One of the most inform sides of the season take a trip to Upton Park.
The Hammers’ optimism after a second win at White Hart Lane in 10 weeks, quickly disappeared again as Manchester United dispatched of West Ham convincingly and with relative ease.
Arsenal will have just a two day rest (excl. training) before this clash as they played their part in a fiery 0-0 on Monday Night Football, versus Chelsea.
The Gunners have not won in any of their last four games in all competitions ( 2D 2L), making this their biggest dry spell of the season. They currently sit in 2nd place behind Liverpool, after previously occupying the top spot for the majority of the season.
West Ham have really struggled against Arsenal in recent years, and when Allardyce’s style last met with Wenger’s style, it was convincingly easy for Arsenal. At Upton Park last season, Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners. In the reverse fixture it was even easier for Arsenal as they won 5-1. The Arsenal side is most definitely stronger than that of last year and likewise West Ham’s performances at least have been worse than last season.
The Hammers have almost gone an entire calendar month in the Premier League without a win. Failure to win against Arsenal will cement that fact. The likes of born-again Aaron Ramsey, big money signing Mesut Ozil and French international Olivier Giroud – it’s hard to look past Arsenal to enjoy this 90 minute run out at the once fortress of Upton Park.
Team News
Arsenal will still be without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain through injury and Jack Wilshere is still serving suspension for his hand gesture against Manchester City. Laurent Koscielny and Mikel Arteta are also doubts for the Boxing Day clash.
West Ham’s injury list is still one of the most unfortunate in the Premier League. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Ricardo Vaz Te, and Winston Reid, are all key players who are still missing.
Centre half James Tomkins, who was arrested on Saturday night after assaulting a police officer, is likely to miss the match versus Arsenal.
Prediction
I am regularly optimistic, however, here I am gladly bowing to Arsenal’s superiority. If they hammer us then it was expected, if we somehow manage a result then, we can shock the League again. I’ll go for a West Ham 1-3 Arsenal.
