Following a week of endless tinkering for a slew of Wildcarders, West Ham United and Arsenal provide the first test out our best-laid plans at the Boelyn Ground.
Having scored six answered goals in their last two match-ups, the Gunners are on the charge heading into this London derby. Meanwhile, the Hammers could extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches with a result on home turf.
No team mustered more goals over their last four matches than Arsenal (nine), who profited from the league’s best shot-conversion rate (16%). Further bolstering their attacking prospects, Arsene Wenger’s troops chart joint-top for goals (29) and top for shots inside the box (155) in away matches. On the defensive end, only Manchester City lay claim to more clean sheets on the road than Arsenal (nine compared to seven).
The Irons fared well in the final third across their previous four outings, charting joint-third for goals (eight) and second for set-piece attempts (21). On the other hand, their defence failed to impress, conceding six goals, the joint-third-most shots inside the box (38) and the third-most big chances (nine). Nonetheless, Slaven Bilic’s men have proved a tough nut to crack at home, given that only five teams have conceded fewer goals (16).
