West Ham United badge, London Stadium
London Stadium, the home of West Ham United
Carla Devine
Fri 29 November 2024 8:11, UK
Chris Sutton believes that Martin Odegaard will be the difference that will stop West Ham from winning against Arsenal.
The Hammers take on Arsenal on Saturday [30 November] as they look to build off their 2-0 win against Newcastle United last time out.
However, they face a tough game and, after a 5-1 win for the Gunners against Sporting CP in the Champions League, they will no doubt be feeling confident going into this one.
Sutton feels it will be a tight game between the two sides, although he believes that the Norweigan ace Odegaard will be the difference as he offered his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport [29 November].
He said: “Julen Lopetegui really needed Monday’s win at Newcastle after a difficult start as West Ham boss.
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“He and his side will be buoyed by that but this is not a good time to be playing Arsenal, who are purring again now Martin Odegaard is back from injury.
“The Gunners were not in great form without Odegaard, but he makes them a different proposition and I am going to say he will make the difference in a very tight game. Prediction: 0-1”
Can West Ham build their momentum?
After a much-needed win against Newcastle at the start of the week, West Ham will surely be a bit frustrated that it’s Arsenal who come next rather than a side that might be slightly easier to play against.
Although the Gunners had been facing a poor spell prior to the international break, since returning they have scored eight goals in two games across the Premier League and Champions League, suggesting they are a team who have now found their form, aided by the return of captain Odegaard.
West Ham
Nevertheless, it is vital that Lopetegui shows there has been a proper change in his side and that there are signs of progression going forward as there remains plenty of speculation surrounding his future at the London Stadium.
The odds are probably on Arsenal’s side heading into this game but many would have said the same ahead of West Ham v Newcastle and look how that turned out.
In other West Ham news, a £5m transfer update is shared as the Irons eye a move for Lennon Miller.
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