Dimitar Berbatov predicts the outcome of the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at the London Stadium this weekend.
The Hammers lost at Old Trafford last time out, but the Gunners are back in the title race with a 3-1 win over Liverpool.
However, speaking to Metro (9 February), Berbatov admitted that the result depends on which version of West Ham comes out on top and backed Arsenal to win a tense encounter.
“Depending on which West Ham team comes into the game, it can cause problems for the opponent or give them space to score goals,” he said.
“The only thing Arsenal have to do is win because they are waiting for Liverpool and Man City to make a mistake. That’s why sometimes it’s good to play by your rivals, to know exactly what you have to do.
“They’re watching you on TV, you’re losing points and the whole team is saying to themselves: ‘OK, guys, now it’s time to catch up’. It’s going to be a tight game, but I’m going to go for Arsenal. Prediction: 1-2.”
David Moyes and West Ham cannot afford another defeat to Arsenal:
David Moyes: not so long ago, the media was salivating over Moyes and the Kladivars’ performances, and there was talk of a new contract that would extend his time at the club beyond the current season.
But lately, the admiration has diminished, the fans are unhappy again and the performances on the field are simply not good enough.
This seems to be the ideal match for Moyes to get back to winning ways, because since the club beat Arsenal at the end of 2023, everything has gone downhill.
It’s no coincidence that this has coincided with the absence of Lucas Paquet, who sadly won’t be back any time soon, but the club has enough talent and squad to cause problems for anyone.
With the right game plan, a solid performance and fans to push the team over the line, Arsenal will certainly have a tough day.