Game Week 16 concludes with West Ham host Arsenal at the London Stadium later this evening. It is a return to home comforts for Manuel Pellegrini’s side after two successive games on the road against Chelsea and Wolves respectively. The Chilean has often stressed on the importance of winning at home, and again did so after Wednesday’s disappointing loss to Wolves. Arsenal have a caretaker manager in charge in the form of Freddie Ljungberg after sacking Unai Emery and come into this game on the back of a shock loss to Brighton in midweek.
Here is what the pundits think of the Hammers’ chances in this GW16 clash.
Mark Lawrenson: Lawro says that both teams “have got problems”, but if West Ham turn up for this one, he thinks the Hammers will win. Has worries about both Arsenal’s defending and their away form, and has tipped Manuel Pellegrini’s men to win this 2-0.
Lawro’s celebrity opponent for this round, tennis star Andy Murray, has gone for a 1-1 draw.
Charlie Nicholas: Over at Sky, Charlie Nicholas says these are “two teams in a right mess”. Adds that while the Hammers have class upfront, they’re “not showing a lot” at this moment, and has gone for a 3-1 win for Freddie Ljungberg’s side.
Robbie Savage: Savage thinks it’s hard to see a winner from this clash, and has tipped a 1-1 draw, expecting both sides to take a point each from this game.
Michael Owen: Owen is another pundit who’s predicted a draw for this clash.
ESPN: Steve Nicol reckons this derby game “has draw written all over it”, but Mark Donaldson has tipped Arsenal to win at the London Stadium.
Summary of predictions:
Mark Lawrenson: West Ham 2-0 Arsenal
Andy Murray: West Ham 1-1 Arsenal
Charlie Nicholas: West Ham 1-3 Arsenal
Robbie Savage: West Ham 1-1 Arsenal
Michael Owen: Draw
Steve Nicol: Draw
Mark Donaldson: Arsenal to win
Lawro, therefore, appears to be the only one tipping a West Ham win in this clash!
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