So far, the 2019/2020 premier league season has been one of the toughest seasons ever recorded, and as such, even the most dominant football teams now walk to the pitch unsure of their victory. Indeed, this season is tough, even tougher for the likes of West Ham United and Arsenal. These two teams have had a hard time beating their opponents in the last few matches. However, comparing the teams' stats, West Ham United seems to be doing better than its opponent.
Arsenal has had it rough this season, especially in their last six matches. Even Worse, they've not been able to secure a win since October. Are they out of luck? Probably not. As they are going Mano-a-Mano against West Ham United tomorrow, they’ll have no choice but to bring their A-game to the field.
Looking at Arsenal’s potential formation for the head to head against West Ham United, Unai Emery seems to have a few cards up his sleeves.
So What can we expect from both teams
Between the two teams, Arsenal seems to be the more desperate for a win. Keep in mind that their previous match with West Ham, last season, ended in a 1:0 defeat. So, we can expect Emery to place the highest goal scorer of the team, Aubameyang, at the frontlines. The Gunners’ formation for the game, will most likely be a 4:5:1 formation; with the likes of Ozil, Guendouzi, and Pepe at the attacking side of the mid-field. Torreira and Xhaka will play at the defensive side of the mid-field; with Tierney, David Luiz, Papastathopoulos, and Bellerin at the defense. Holding and Ceballos are currently incapacitated, so they won’t be appearing in Emery’s formation for the paly off at the London Stadium.
To match Arsenal’s ferocious attackers and midfielders, Manuel Pellegrini will most likely choose a formation that mimics or trump Emery’s 4:5:1 formation. A 4:5:1 formation will be the best move. In this way, Pellegrini will use Fredericks, Balbuena, Ogbonna, and Cresswell for his defensive wall. The midfield, however, will feature the likes of Snodgrass, Noble, Rice, Fornals, and Felipe Anderson, leaving Antonio at the front lines to deliver the final blow that’ll shatter Arsenal’s defensive wall.
Conclusion
If there is one thing that cannot be denied about West Ham United and Arsenal FC, it is that they’ll bring their A-game to the pitch seeking blood in tomorrow’s playoffs at the London Stadium. Of a truth, they have an equal opportunity of walking out of the Stadium victorious. However, only the most prepared of the two teams will emerge the winner.
Let the best team win!