Honestly, no one really saw this coming- the major turnaround accomplished by manager Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side this season. No matter where they finish in the end, first or second, the 2022-23 Gunners deserve their kudos.
However, if the club is going to end their 19 year league title drought this May, the deal is yet to be sealed. It’s still there for the taking though, with a London derby against lower table West Ham the next opportunity for three more points.
London Derby FYIs
Kickoff: Sun. April 16, 2 pm GMT, London Stadium, UK
Starting XI Predictions: Arsenal West Ham
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
PL Form: Arsenal DWWWW West Ham WLWDL
PL Standing: Arsenal 1st, 73 pts West Ham 14th, 30 pts
Google Result Probability: Arsenal 62% West Ham 12% Draw 22%
Dropping two points against Liverpool last weekend didn’t help, and the North Londoners can’t afford to have that (or something worse even) happen again on Sunday.
The Hammers will be motivated too, as they’re hovering very close to and trying to stay out of the drop zone. Here is what we think Arteta will go with, in the cause of trying to put the hammer down on the hosts.
Arsenal Starting XI Prediction at West Ham United
Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.