‘Still not convinced…’ – Mark Lawrenson predicts West Ham clash v Arsenal
Mark Lawrenson has backed West Ham to build on their win over Southampton last weekend with a draw against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Hammers moved out of the relegation places with an impressive 3-1 win over the Saints at the London Stadium, and now face a trip across the capital to face the Gunners.
But while Lawrenson does not believe that David Moyes’ men can pick up a second successive win, he is of the opinion that they can carry the momentum gained last week into this weekend’s clash.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “I fancy the Hammers to get something this time too. I know West Ham boss David Moyes has never won a league game at Arsenal, in 15 attempts, but I am taking him out of the equation.
“Their tails will be up, there will be a decent atmosphere because it is a London derby and, if they go for it a bit, this might just be their time now where they can pick up some positive results.
“Don’t get me wrong, West Ham still have issues – but I am still not convinced by the Gunners, either.
“They have won their past two Premier League games, but I do not see them going on a long winning run.”
Lawrenson predicts a 1-1 draw.
Will Lawrenson’s prediction come true?
Let’s hope so.
This will be a match that David Moyes has earmarked as winnable for the Hammers, despite the Gunners being six places above them in the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been shaky this season, and you never really know which version of Arsenal are going to turn up.
For their part, the Irons have to get something out of this one if they are to open up a gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
If they are to do so, however, they will have to be an awful lot better than they were when the two sides met at the beginning of December.
After taking the lead, West Ham were suckerpunched by three goals in nine minutes as they eventually went down 3-1.
Despite the result, there were positive signs for the Hammers in that match.
If they can use those stats as a foundation for this game, while also ensuring that they are more organised at the back, there’s no reason to believe that they can’t sneak something in north London.
In other West Ham news, Confirmed – Injured Hammers ace has ‘very good chance’ of playing v Arsenal.