Premier League giants Arsenal kick-start their Premier League 2015/16 season at home against mid table side West Ham United. Arsenal had finished 3rd last season and looked extremely impressive. Their talisman Alexis Sanchez inspired a fantastic performance which guided the team to yet another FA Cup glory.
Alexis Sanchez is set to miss the first two or three games due to injury concerns but the Gunners have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to suffice that role. The English international played brilliantly in their 1-0 triumph over Chelsea last week in the FA Cup Community Shield. Chamberlain was the goal scorer.
Chelsea legend Petr Cech who had joined Arsenal this summer will make his debut in the Premier League for the club today.
West Ham United too have a good outfit. The inclusion of Dimitri Payet into the roster has bolstered their squad a lot. Andy Carroll is set to miss the season opener, Diafra Sakho will start insteat in the upfront.
Key Battles:
Theo Walcott vs Winston Reid
Theo Walcott has done a wonderful jon as a central striker this season for Arsenal. Since the ending of the previous season Wenger fielded Walcott ahead of Olivier Giroud. He had scored a hat-trick against West Brom in the last game of the season and also started the FA Cup final against Aston Villa. In this season too the French manager has so far preferred Theo Walcott in the lone striker role. West Ham United’s central defender Winston Reid will have to keep a firm eye on the Englishman to avoid dangers in the penalty box.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain vs Aaron Cresswell
As Theo Walcott is being played as a striker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will start from the right flank in the absence of Alexis Sanchez. Chamberlain has so far done a commendable job and will be a huge threat on the flank. Chamberlain has to be firmly marked by Aaron Cresswell. His speedy runs, and deceptive crosses has to be curbed by the West Ham United full-back.
Mesut Ozil vs Joey O’Brien
The German wizard has finally gained his old form as he played fantastic football during the pre-seasons. His crosses and passes were inch perfect and will be a great threat for any defense in the world. With Cazorla playing in a central role Arsene Wenger would put Mesut Ozil on the left flank. Joey O’brien will be in charge to mark the German maestro on the flank.
Dimitri Payet vs Francis Coquelin
West Ham United’s newest recruit Dimitri Payet is a terrific player who is predominantly a central attacking midfielder. Payet can single-handedly turn the fate of a match and is supposed to be a great buy. Payet has to be marked firmly by Arsenal’s defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin in the midfield area.
Preditions:
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United
Betting odds-
Arsenal win @1.25
Draw @6.50
West Ham United win @14.00