Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has predicted Arsenal will secure a victory over West Ham United in their Premier League showdown at the London Stadium on Saturday (November 30).
Arsenal, last season’s runners-up with 89 points, currently sit fourth in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches. After enduring a four-game winless streak in the Premier League, the Gunners bounced back with a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
West Ham, meanwhile, find themselves in 14th place with 15 points from 12 games. They come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 2-0 win against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park earlier this week (November 25).
Shearer’s Prediction
Writing in his column for Metro, Shearer praised West Ham’s recent performance but tipped Arsenal to claim all three points. He wrote:
“It was a great result for West Ham on Monday. I was really impressed with the way they nullified Newcastle, and [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka did really well. I thought Max Kilman was superb. We saw Arsenal’s result in the Champions League, and now going to West Ham, I think they’ll have too much quality in forward positions and will take the three points.”
Arsenal Favoured to Win
The Gunners are coming off the back of a dominant 5-1 victory over Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on November 26, further bolstering their confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash. Arsenal have had the upper hand in recent meetings with West Ham, winning seven of their last 11 encounters with the Hammers.
Paul Merson Praises Odegaard’s Influence
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has also weighed in on the Gunners’ recent resurgence, crediting captain Martin Odegaard for his influence. Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said:
“They were outstanding against Nottingham Forest when they needed to be. They just dropped it down into second gear. A brilliant performance against Sporting Lisbon. Martin Odegaard makes the difference. We talk about Manchester City and Rodri—it’s the same with Odegaard. Odegaard makes things happen.”
Merson went on to highlight how Odegaard elevates the team, particularly Bukayo Saka:
“He knits it together for them. He brings the best out of Bukayo Saka—even more out of him—given he is already an amazing player. Declan Rice, with Thomas Partey sitting in front of the back four, can bomb on.”
Odegaard’s Return to Form
Odegaard, 25, recently returned from a two-month injury layoff and has already contributed two assists in his last three matches across all competitions. The Norwegian playmaker is expected to start his sixth Premier League game of the season against West Ham, looking to continue his strong form and lead Arsenal to another crucial win.
SOURCE: Sportkeeda.com
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