Michael Owen has predicted a surprise win for West Ham United when they host Arsenal at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Hammers come off the back of a 2-0 win over Birmingham City in the third round of the FA Cup, while Arsenal come off the back of a 3-0 victory over Blackpool – but Owen thinks that the fragility of the Gunners’ defence is what is going to hand the Irons all three points this weekend.
Owen also pointed out the record Manuel Pellegrini has against his opponent Unai Emery – he has never lost to the Arsenal boss in the last six home league matches.
“Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 away games against West Ham in all competitions, but if there is to be a winner at the London Stadium I feel it will be the hosts as I still have my reservations about the Gunners defensive capabilities,” he said in his BetVictor blog.
“Yes, the hosts have conceded at least once in their last eight home PL games and I would be surprised if the Hammers kept a clean sheet this weekend, but Manuel Pellegrini has never finished on the losing side against Unai Emery in six previous home league games (W4 D2).
“A cracking London derby to look forward to with opportunities at both ends.”
OPINION
It is surprising to see Owen plump for a West Ham win here. Yes, Arsenal have problems with their defence – it is arguably not the strongest in the Premier League – but they have one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers in the shape of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It is hard to see the Irons keeping a clean sheet with this centre-forward on the pitch, but Owen has still gone for all three points for West Ham. They have proven to be rather consistent at the London Stadium this season and the Gunners will no doubt find it very hard to penetrate their defence. Nevertheless, there should be a lot of goals in this game – especially with Marko Arnautovic playing for West Ham. He is their best shout of winning this clash – alongside Felipe Anderson – so do expect goals galore with two such talented attackers on the pitch this coming Saturday.
