Arsenal’s title challenge took a dent as they dropped points at Anfield, but will need to push on to ensure the balance tips in their favour during their crucial trip to the Etihad later in the month. First up though, they face a tricky London derby against the Hammers; Moyes’ side need a win to expand their 3-point gap to the drop-zone.
I’ve put together this stats pack filled to the brim with useful statistics to assist you in picking a bet builder. From goals to cards, shots to fouls, and corners to passes, you’ve got enough numbers to go on for a big winner. If you’re unsure on how to use the data below then it may be worth a few minutes of your time to go over my Stats Pack Guide.
Predicted Lineups
David Moyes adopted a 4-4-2 in their win last time out over fellow Londoner’s Fulham. He may be tempted to utilise this approach once again, as Danny Ings and Michail Antonio spring on the counter, as the Hammers managed just 23% possession.
Linked with a move to the Gunners in the summer, Declan Rice will no doubt want to make an impression and cover the whole pitch – as he always seems to do.
Mikel Arteta has become accustomed to putting out a regular starting XI, and will unlikely spring any surprises for this one. Martin Odegaard will captain his side in a 4-2-3-1.
Gabriel Jesus has slotted right back into the side, while Gabriel Martinelli’s goalscoring form will keep Leandro Trossard on the bench. The only question mark is over William Saliba’s back injury, with Rob Holding set to deputise.
Team Stats
West Ham have been struggling for goals, and have scored just 27 goals in 29 games. They have scored exactly one goal in each of their last 4 Premier League outings. Their shooting stats demonstrate exactly why they’ve been struggling – attempting more shots but having less on target than their opposition.
Despite not dominating the ball (42.8% possession on average), they do rack up more corners than their opposition and receive less cards.
Arsenal’s stats are dominant. They’ve scored 72 goals and conceded just 29, and their xG’s suggest they’re bang for their buck. Averaging 16.03 shots per game and letting Aaron Ramsdale worry about just 8.57 at his end.
Alike to the Hammers, they outperform their opposition in the corner and cards metrics.
Player Shots and Shots on Target
This is not good viewing for the hosts. They hammer away the shots but their accuracy is woeful. Well demonstrated by their attacking forces Michail Antonio and Danny Ings who average 0.62 and 0.56 shots on target p/90.
Said Benrahma does top the charts for both shots and shots on target and may be your best bet as he comes up against Ben White.
Gabriel Jesus’ shooting stats are quite impressive, averaging 1.48 shots on target per 90 minutes.
His namesake Gabriel Martinelli has been on some form too, boosting his average to exactly 1.00 shots on target p/90 having registered at least 1 shot on target in 9 of his last 10 appearances in all competitions.
Player Goals and Assists
Wingers Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma are matching each other stride for stride, both conjuring up 4 goals and 3 assists.
However, the names on the score sheet haven’t been your usual suspects, with Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, and a Harrison Reed own goal being the own contributions in their last 3 Premier League games.
Arsenal have scored 2 or more goals in each of their last 6 Premier League matches, at a rate of 3.33 goals per game across those games.
Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard have all reached double figures for the campaign while Gabriel Jesus is edging closer after his tally has been hindered by injury.
Player Passing
As mentioned previously, West Ham managed just 23% of the ball at Craven Cottage. However they have managed over 40% of it in their last 5 home games.
I wouldn’t back them to have a huge amount of the ball against Arsenal, but Declan Rice is the midfield general for the hosts averaging 15 more passes per game than any other teammate.
Arsenal like to dominate the ball, although their average of 59.6% ranks them fourth in the league in this metric – behind Manchester City, Brighton, and Liverpool.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is the pass master for the Gunners, making inroads into the midfield and setting the tone for the league leaders. What a signing he has been.
West Ham Cards and Fouls
Declan Rice tops the cards section for West Ham, and this is likely down to the sheer weight of the team he carries on his shoulders. Thomas Soucek is a similar style of player in putting in a hard graft in the middle of the park, and his 1.67 fouls p/90 is the highest in the team.
Thilo Kehrer is my one to watch though, earning himself 4 bookings this season and averaging 1.34 fouls p/90.
The reason I like the look of Kehrer for a foul or two, and even a card, is his responsibility in dealing with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus – who drifts left the majority of the time. The Brazilians draw 1.22 and 2.71 fouls p/90.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard operate the other wing and draw a slightly lower total of 1.79 and 0.73 fouls p/90, while Granit Xhaka tend to draw more fouls now than he commits in his more advanced role.
Match-ups to watch:
Thilo Kehrer vs Gabriel Martinelli
Thomas Soucek vs Granit Xhaka
Michail Antonio vs Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal Cards and Fouls
There’s a few Arsenal players that look like great examples to make use of the to score or be shown a card market given their aggressive press.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Odegaard have combined for 14 cards this season, but also scored 30 goals between them.
With West Ham playing on the counter, the pace of Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, and Danny Ings will undoubtedly cause Arsenal’s defensive line some problems.
Match-ups to watch:
Gabriel Jesus vs Nayef Aguerd
Granit Xhaka vs Jarrod Bowen
Gabriel Magalhaes vs Michail Antonio
My Bet Builder Picks of the Pack
Taking a swipe through those metrics has given me some great value picks for a bet builder. Feel free to add or remove any selections you like, so you can back it as an outright bet builder or use some of the picks to boost your own.
West Ham vs Arsenal
16th April
kick off 14:00 Oleksandr Zinchenko 70+ passes Thilo Kehrer to commit 1+ fouls Over 2.5 Goals Gabriel Martinelli to have 1+ shots on target
