Sutton plays it safe
Chris Sutton is playing it safe in predicting the result between the Hammers and Arsenal at the London Stadium this afternoon.
Sutton plays it safe
The BBC pundit who took over the job from Mark Lawrenson at the beginning of the season has shown little faith in the Irons so far and once again – unsurprisingly – is tipping us for defeat.
We of course are looking for a win double over them in the league having also put them to the sword in the Carabao Cup.
We last managed the double in season 2006/07 and Sutton has no confidence at all that will happen again today.
Current form suggests a defeat of course but we often have a habit of coming good against the top teams and it would be no surprise to hardened Hammers fans were that to happen again.
There’s little chance we shall see a lot of the ball but who knows that might happen if we can counter quickly and manage to take chances which we haven’t been particularly good at in the last six games.
Sutton declared: “West Ham beat Arsenal at the Emirates at the end of December, when the Gunners huffed and puffed but just could not score.
The Hammers will have exactly the same approach at home, looking to sit in and counter, and using their threat at set-pieces too.
This time, though, I think Arsenal will find a way through – and carry on their celebrations.
Mikel Arteta’s side will have a point to prove after what happened last time against West Ham, but their motivation here is more about the fact they have just put themselves in the thick of the title race, and they cannot afford to slip up.
West Ham last did the double over the Gunners in the 2006-07 season, and I think they will have to wait a bit longer to do it again.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-2