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Chris Sutton has backed Arsenal to secure all three points against West Ham United in their Premier League clash on Saturday (November 30). The pundit believes Martin Odegaard will prove to be the difference-maker this weekend.
The Gunners are fourth in the league standings after an underwhelming start to the season. They are level on points with third-placed Chelsea and a point behind second-placed Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are in pole position with an eight-point lead over the Cityzens, which could increase to 11 if they defeat Manchester City in their showdown at Anfield this Sunday (December 1).
Arsenal have struggled with multiple injury setbacks this season and Odegaard was on the list as well. The Norwegian midfielder was out for two months due to an ankle injury and made his return earlier this month.
Chris Sutton has emphasized Odegaard's importance to the team, referencing the Gunners' form without their club captain. Mikel Arteta's side dropped points in defeats to Newcastle United and Bournemouth and draws against Liverpool and Manchester City in his absence.
Sutton has tipped the Gunners to beat West Ham 1-0 this weekend with Odegaard to play a crucial role. He told BBC Sport:
"Julen Lopetegui really needed Monday's win at Newcastle after a difficult start as West Ham boss. 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."
The Gunners have recorded six wins, four draws, and two losses in the league so far this term.
Harry Redknapp previews Arsenal vs West Ham United
Harry Redknapp has echoed Sutton's claims as he backed the Gunners for a win over West Ham in the London derby.
The Hammers beat Newcastle United 2-0 in their league encounter last Monday (November 25). Meanwhile, Arsenal seem more like themselves again after dominant wins over Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP.
While admitting it could be a close game, Redknapp feels the Gunners will go home with three points, especially with Odegaard back in the mix after his spell on the sidelines.
The former West Ham boss said (via Metro):
"I didn’t see West Ham’s win at Newcastle coming, that was a big surprise. I thought West Ham were superb defensively and always posed a threat on the break, Jarrod Bowen was superb."
"The Gunners look like they’ve turned a corner and arrive here fresh off that brilliant performance in Portugal. Liverpool obviously have a healthy lead but Arsenal are still right in this title race, particularly with Martin Odegaard now fully fit."
"I think Arsenal will edge this, but it might be a nervy one."
When asked for a player to watch, he added:
"It’s got to be Martin Odegaard, what a top player. Their performances are night and day when he’s fit and at his best."
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Edited by Arshit Garg