Arsenal vs West Ham United: Premier League Pick & Prediction, October 4, 2025
Top spot in the Premier League could be Arsenal’s – at least temporarily – if they see off London rivals West Ham United in Saturday’s clash at the Emirates. The Gunners arrive full of belief after a dramatic comeback win at Newcastle and a midweek Champions League over Olympiacos, while new Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo continues to search for his first win after debuting with a battling draw at Goodison Park on Monday night.
History weighs in Arsenal’s favor at the Emirates, yet West Ham’s last two visits have produced shock away victories without conceding. Can the Irons spring another upset, or will Mikel Arteta’s Gunners extend their winning momentum?
Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal have traditionally dominated this London derby, especially at home, but recent history provides a twist. West Ham were the first-ever visitors to win at the Emirates back in 2007, and they’ve repeated the trick in both of their last two trips – keeping clean sheets in each. Only Manchester City have ever managed three successive Premier League away wins over the Gunners, so history beckons for Nuno’s men if they can spring another surprise.
Arsenal Current Form and Team News: Arteta’s Gunners Eyeing Top Spot
Arsenal’s comeback win at St James’ Park last weekend felt symbolic. Trailing 1-0 after a disallowed Gyokeres penalty and a Woltemade opener, they rallied through set-piece brilliance, Gabriel Magalhaes heading home in stoppage time to secure a famous 2-1 victory. Days later, they backed it up with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Olympiacos in round two of the Champions League league phase on Wednesday.
That marked their third consecutive victory and seventh in nine games across all competitions this term. The Gunners are also formidable at the Emirates, losing just four of their last 42 top-flight home matches.
Team news is relatively positive: influential Brazilian international Gabriel is nursing a knock but should be fit, though fellow defender Piero Hincapie and long-term absentees Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus are all sidelined. Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, is in line for his 200th Premier League appearance, and only Thierry Henry has previously marked the occasion with a goal in Arsenal colours.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was sent off in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates last season, delivered a composed display in the midweek Champions League win over Olympiacos. However, the 19-year-old may have to make way for Riccardo Calafiori, with the Italian pushing to reclaim his spot at left-back.
West Ham United Current Form and Team News: Hammers Can Conquer the Emirates Again?
It was yet another disappointing weekend on September 20th for West Ham, as the Hammers slumped to defeat in a London derby against Crystal Palace – a loss that ultimately brought Graham Potter’s tenure to an end. He has since been succeeded by former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who now faces the challenge of reviving the Irons’ fortunes.
The Nuno Espirito Santo era started with a gritty 1-1 draw at Everton, as Jarrod Bowen canceled out Michael Keane’s opener to earn a valuable point. It came after back-to-back defeats to London rivals Tottenham and Crystal Palace under Graham Potter, and offered early signs of renewed spirit as the East London outfit sit 19th in the table on four points.
Still, West Ham sit in the relegation zone, with all four of their Premier League points this season earned away from the London Stadium. Their defensive frailties remain a huge cause of concern, though – no team has lost more London derbies in the competition (134).
Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Soucek remains suspended, while right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt, but there’s hope he could return and create a selection dilemma alongside Kyle Walker-Peters. Jean-Clair Todibo is also back in contention after missing out under Potter, hinting at improved squad harmony.
Jarrod Bowen, who scored the winner in last season’s Emirates triumph and has five career goals against Arsenal, will again be the key threat. The West Ham skipper boasts five goals and two assists in 12 appearances against the Gunners in all competitions.
Academy graduate Freddie Potts made a strong cameo off the bench at Goodison Park, but Soungoutou Magassa is expected to retain his place in the middle of the park.
Tactical Battle: Arsenal’s Creativity vs Nuno’s Solidity
Mikel Arteta’s men will look to dominate possession and suffocate the Hammers with their pressing game. Martin Odegaard’s orchestration and Rice’s midfield dominance should generate plenty of chances for Gyokeres and Saka, if the latter is ready to start, with Eze adding dynamism between the lines.
Nuno’s West Ham are expected to adopt a compact mid-block, relying on Bowen and Summerville for counterattacking thrust. Paqueta’s creativity could be vital if the Irons want to exploit Arsenal’s occasional vulnerability against direct play, while Fullkrug’s physicality offers a focal point. The big question is whether the Hammers can withstand 90 minutes of relentless pressure from a more sophisticated Arsenal side at the Emirates, especially given their struggles in London derbies and Arsenal’s recent momentum.
Possible Starting Lineups of Arsenal and West Ham United
Arsenal: David Raya – Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori – Martin Odegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice – Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze. (4-3-3)
West Ham United: Alphonse Areola – Kyle Walker-Peters, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Max Kilman, El Hadji Malick Diouf – Soungoutou Magassa – Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, Lucas Paqueta, Crysencio Summerville – Niclas Füllkrug. (4-1-4-1)
Arsenal vs West Ham United Betting Odds and Prediction
Arsenal enter Saturday’s London derby as heavy favourites, priced at -500 with EveryGame, while a draw sits at +575 and another West Ham shock at the Emirates is a long shot at +1200.
Given the Gunners’ strong form and motivation to at least briefly go top of the Premier League (also considering Liverpool’s recent struggles), backing Arteta’s men looks logical.
However, West Ham have attacking outlets – particularly Jarrod Bowen, who boasts five goals against Arsenal – and could sneak one. The Irons have found the net in seven of their last eight clashes with Arsenal across all competitions, with the only exception being the Gunners’ emphatic 6-0 triumph at the London Stadium in February 2024.
The North London outfit should ultimately outscore a revitalized East London side, ensuring this capital derby remains lively and entertaining for neutrals, even with Arteta’s trademark defensive demands in play.