Match Preview Arsenal vs West Ham United

Arsenal welcome West Ham United to the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025, in a must-win Premier League clash. Mikel Arteta’s side trail Liverpool in the title race, making three points essential to keep their championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, Graham Potter’s West Ham are battling for survival, sitting precariously in 16th place and desperate for a result to ease relegation fears. With both teams fighting for contrasting goals, this Match Preview Arsenal vs West Ham United covers team news, key battles, lineups, and a score prediction ahead of this high-stakes London derby.

Match Details: Arsenal vs West Ham United

• 📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
• ⏰ Kickoff Time: 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET)
• 🏟 Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
• 📺 Where to Watch:
  • United Kingdom: Due to the 3 PM blackout, the match will not be broadcast live on television.
  • United States: Available to stream on Peacock at 10:00 ET.
  • Spain: Live coverage on DAZN and DAZN 1 at 16:00 CET.
• 🦸‍♂️ Referee: Craig Pawson
• 🆕 Latest Form:
  • Arsenal: W-W-W-L-W
  • West Ham: W-L-D-L-L
• 🌡️ Expected Weather: Cloudy

Arsenal vs. West Ham United: Preview & Key Talking Points

As Arsenal prepare to host West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium, both teams find themselves at critical junctures in their Premier League campaigns. The Gunners, trailing Liverpool in the title race, are in dire need of a victory to maintain their championship aspirations. Conversely, Graham Potter’s West Ham are embroiled in a relegation battle, sitting precariously in 16th place, just above the drop zone.

🔴 Arsenal’s Recent Form: WWWLW

Arsenal enter this fixture with a strong run of form, securing four wins in their last five matches. Their most recent outing saw a 2-0 victory over Leicester City, with substitute Mikel Merino making a significant impact by scoring both goals late in the match. Despite an injury crisis affecting key forwards such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta has adeptly managed his squad, with players like Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling stepping up to fill the void.

⚒️ West Ham’s Recent Form: WLDLL

West Ham’s recent performances have been less encouraging, with only one win in their last five matches. A recent 1-0 defeat to Brentford at the London Stadium highlighted their ongoing struggles, as an early goal from Kevin Schade proved decisive. The Hammers have faced challenges in both defence and attack, with injuries to key players such as Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Füllkrug exacerbating their difficulties. Manager Graham Potter has been unable to find a consistent winning formula, and the team remains perilously close to the relegation zone.

With Arsenal aiming to close the gap at the top and West Ham fighting to distance themselves from relegation, this London derby carries significant implications for both clubs. The Gunners will look to capitalize on their home advantage and superior form, while the Hammers will be desperate to secure a positive result to boost their survival hopes.

📊 Head-to-Head Record: Arsenal vs. West Ham United

• Total Matches: 52
  • Arsenal and West Ham United have faced each other 52 times in the Premier League.
• Arsenal Wins: 34
  • The Gunners have secured 34 victories, showcasing their dominance in this fixture.
• West Ham Wins: 8
  • The Hammers have managed 8 wins against Arsenal.
• Draws: 10
  • There have been 10 draws between the two sides.
• Last Meeting: West Ham 2 – 5 Arsenal
  • On November 30, 2024, Arsenal defeated West Ham 5-2 at the London Stadium.

These statistics highlight Arsenal’s historical advantage over West Ham United in their Premier League encounters.

🩺 Team News

Arsenal:

Arsenal continue to navigate a challenging injury landscape:

• Gabriel Jesus: Suffered an ACL injury in his left knee during the match against Manchester United on January 14, 2025. He is expected to be sidelined until November 22, 2025.
• Bukayo Saka: Sustained a thigh injury on January 21, 2025. The club anticipates his return around April 1, 2025.
• Kai Havertz: Incurred a hamstring injury during a warm-weather training camp and has undergone surgery. His recovery is projected to extend into the pre-season preparations for the next season.
• Gabriel Martinelli: Currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
• Takehiro Tomiyasu: Underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, with a potential return in late 2025.

On a positive note, Ben White, who has been recovering from a knee injury, was on the bench during the recent match against Leicester City, indicating his imminent return to full match fitness.

West Ham United:

West Ham are also contending with several injuries:

• Michail Antonio: Suffered a severe leg injury from a car accident in December 2024. He is undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to return to training after the international break in late March 2025.
• Crysencio Summerville: Dealing with a thigh injury. As of January 16, 2025, a late decision was to be made regarding his availability.
• Niclas Füllkrug: Suffered a significant thigh injury, with reports on January 13, 2025, indicating he would be sidelined for several weeks.
• Vladimír Coufal: Sidelined with a hamstring injury, remains a doubt for selection.

These absences pose challenges for manager Graham Potter as he seeks to field a competitive lineup against Arsenal.

📝 Lineups

🔴 Arsenal (4-3-3)

GK: David Raya
RB: Jurrien Timber
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
RCM: Martin Odegaard
CDM: Thomas Partey
LCM: Declan Rice
RW: Ethan Nwaneri
ST: Mikel Merino
LW: Leandro Trossard

⚒️ West Ham (5-3-2)

GK: Alphonse Areola
RB: Wan-Bissaka
CB: Maximilian Kilman
CB: Jean-Clair Todibo
CB: Ollie Scarles
LB: Aaron Cresswell
CDM: Edson Alvarez
CDM: Tomas Soucek
CAM: James Ward-Prowse
ST: Mohammed Kudus
ST: Jarrod Bowen

⚔️ Tactical Analysis & Key Battles

With Arsenal chasing Liverpool in the title race and West Ham battling to avoid relegation, this match presents two teams with vastly different ambitions. Mikel Arteta’s side will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, while Graham Potter’s West Ham will likely set up compactly, aiming to frustrate Arsenal and capitalize on counter-attacks. Here’s where the key battles will be fought:

⚔️ Midfield Control: Rice vs. Alvarez

Arsenal’s ability to control the game will depend on how well Declan Rice dictates play and breaks down West Ham’s defensive structure. Meanwhile, West Ham’s Edson Alvarez will be tasked with breaking up Arsenal’s passing sequences and launching quick counter-attacks. If Arsenal’s midfield can keep the ball moving quickly, they could dominate possession and create gaps in the opposition’s defence.

⚡ Wide Play: Nwaneri vs. Cresswell

Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri will play a crucial role in unlocking West Ham’s defensive setup, using pace and trickery to stretch the backline. On the other side, West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell must stay disciplined and prevent crosses from being delivered into dangerous areas. If Nwaneri can isolate their marker in one-on-one situations, it could be a long afternoon for the visiting defence.

🎯 Set-Piece Threat: Gabriel vs. Kilman

Arsenal have been the most dangerous team from set-pieces in the Premier League this season, leading the league in goals from corners and free-kicks. Gabriel has been a major aerial threat, frequently getting on the end of Rice’s deliveries.

West Ham’s Max Kilman will need to be at their best to deal with Arsenal’s precision from dead-ball situations. If Arsenal can capitalize on their set-piece dominance, it could provide them with a crucial edge in this match.

🔥 The Final Third Battle: Merino vs. Todibo

With Arsenal missing key attacking players, their forward for the game Mikel Merino will need to step up and make an impact against West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo. Movement, pressing, and clinical finishing will be essential for Arsenal to break down a deep defensive block. On the other hand, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses and provide a much-needed goal threat for their struggling side.

Arsenal will aim to impose their attacking style on the game, while West Ham must find a way to disrupt their rhythm and capitalize on limited chances. The outcome of these key battles could decide the fate of this crucial Premier League encounter.

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🔮 Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 West Ham United

With Arsenal pushing to stay in the title race and West Ham struggling near the relegation zone, this match heavily favours the Gunners. Despite injuries in attack, Arsenal’s dominance in possession, home advantage, and defensive solidity should see them control the game. West Ham, under Graham Potter, have struggled for consistency, and their defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed by Arsenal’s high-pressing approach.

If Merino can capitalize on key chances and Nwaneri delivers in wide areas, Arsenal should be able to break down West Ham’s deep defensive line. Expect Rice to control the tempo and Saliba to keep things tight at the back.

Final Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 West Ham United – A comfortable victory for the Gunners as they keep pace in the title race.

💬 Fan Predictions & Final Thoughts

With Arsenal chasing Liverpool at the top and West Ham battling relegation, this London derby carries massive significance for both sides. Gunners fans will be hoping for a dominant display to keep their title hopes alive, while Hammers supporters are desperate for a result that could provide a much-needed boost in their survival fight.

What do you think will happen at the Emirates Stadium? Will Merino step up to deliver in Arsenal’s injury-hit attack? Can Areola keep the Gunners at bay and help West Ham secure an unexpected point or more?

Drop your score predictions in the comments! Will Arsenal cruise to victory, or can West Ham pull off a shock result?

🔴⚪ COYG!