English Premier League Free Picks: West Ham United vs. Arsenal

After Gianfranco Zola’s charmed introduction to coaching in the Premier League last season, taking an average West Ham United outfit to a top ten finish, he finds himself on the opposite end of the table this season. Zola is regarded as one of the finest players to grace the Premier League and he was voted by Chelsea fans as their greatest player during his successful stint as a Blue between 1996 and 2003.

 At the end of last season, everyone was starting to think if Zola would be half as good a manager as he was a player West Ham United would enjoy exciting times. This does not seem to be the case now as the Hammers are one of the worst on form this season. They are 19th in the table on five points and with a game in hand.

West Ham United are desperate to take all three points but with Arsenal up next on their domestic schedule, the task looks nigh impossible and not only in the wake of all their struggles but also because Arsenal have the same goal in mind. Arsenal are currently holding fourth spot in the table, four points shy of the top and with a game in hand. They will want the three points for them to maintain pressure and remain close to their peers.

Soccer Betting Line:

West Ham +1  Ev   +600   2½  O -140   U +120   Draw   +285    
Arsenal  -1  -120   -200   2½  O -140   U +120   Draw   +285    

Venue: Boleyn Ground

Match Time: 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time Sunday October 25, 2009

Soccer Betting Analysis: Arsene Wenger’s men cannot help scoring at every opportunity. They have contributed a staggering 27 goals in eight league matches. They have paid the price on the counter attack though conceding 11. Nevertheless, the free-scoring Gunners are looking good this season, much better than most predicted they would. And they cannot be discounted from the top four mix.

West Ham United are a much better side than their results indicate and they really should not be so deep in the relegation zone. The problem lies in injuries. However, some key players – Parker, Collison and Behrami –  are expected back finally.

In their last three home matches, West Ham contributed for five goals but they lost on the back of defensive mistakes. If the backline can clean up its act then the positive trend shown by their front line will surely turn things around for them, sooner than later. Perhaps, against Arsenal?

Soccer Betting Verdict:  Zola and Wenger have the same objective in this match, to take all three points. Wenger’s men have not been as good on the away as they have been at home. But as they have been  the overall better side, they would seem to be the value play for the win. Meanwhile, Zola’s men are much better than their results suggest, which would indicate they have something to hope for in this match. All this might end up cancelling both outfits’ efforts on the pitch and lead to a draw, listed at +285 at BetUS Sportsbook. As much as everyone would like to see the Hammers take this one, there is too much evidence that suggests Arsenal will win to ignore.

Soccer Free Picks: Arsenal -200 | Over 2.5 goals -140