West Ham vs Arsenal - The Predictions

According to The Daily Mirror Arsene Wenger is the manager that Zola most admires and he wants West Ham to emulate Arsenal's style of play. Whilst Arsenal and West Ham do both play a passing style of game I would say the major difference (in style) at the moment is the pace in both teams.

Arsenal pass the ball with speed and with movement off the ball. West Ham play a more ponderous passing style, often to the extent of letting defences regroup and get men behind the ball before venturing into the danger areas in front of the opponent's goal.

The return of Valon Behrami should help West Ham in this department. He is one player in the West Ham side who does continually show movement off the ball. Dyer could also feature in this game, having returned to full training this week. Dyer's pace could play a key role in unlocking defences, if only he can stay fit for a number of games.


Lawro says that West Ham are meeting an Arsenal team in a good run of form and in good spirits. Surprisingly he says that West Ham have a growing injury list, when in fact it looks like Zola finally has some competition for places. It's hard however to disagree with his prediction that West Ham will struggle in this game.

Lawro predicts a 0-2 loss for West Ham

Sky argue that Parker may struggle to get back into the first team. They say Zola was pleased with the performance against Stoke, despite the loss and may stick with the same team. However, whatever team West Ham field, Sky don't give them much hope.

Sky predict a 1-3 West Ham loss