EFL Cup: Familiar Friends Clash in Midweek Soccer Special

West Ham United vs Arsenal

Whether the League Cup (as this is), the EFL Cup or the league, these two have traditionally enjoyed a ding-dong battle.

It’s almost always a lively contest and a match I’ve enjoyed previously.

It’s also a contest between two teams whose managers need no introduction – David Moyes managed Mikel Arteta at Everton from 2005 to 2011 and made the midfielder his captain.

Together they helped Everton reach the 2009 FA Cup Final, a trophy Arteta won in his first few months in the Arsenal hotseat.

So, who can deliver League Cup highlights and, ultimately, enjoy cup success on Wednesday evening in the east end of the capital?

Talking Points

I am actually leaning towards the home side.

That is because I suspect Arsenal have bigger fish to fry and because West Ham have got a taste for success following last season’s Europa Conference victory.

I also suspect Moyes will go that bit stronger than his counterpart when he names his starting XI.

The reaction of bitter disappointment to going out of this competition to Blackburn Rovers on penalties last season – as well as in the FA Cup fifth round to Manchester United – shows just how much value West Ham place on cup competitions.

On saying that, they will need to fare better than they did in their league defeat to Everton on Sunday when their first shot on target did not arrive until deep into added time.

That summed up a lack of bite, but there was also casual defending and an approach in possession that stifled their creative talents, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paquetá.

Unambitious football is the accusation aimed at Moyes and, after a decent start to the season, the Scot will be concerned about his side’s recent dip.

Certainly, with his contract up at the end of the season, he can ill afford too many repeats of the lifelessness and lack of intensity they showed in that outing.

Swathes of empty seats in the home stands towards the end of the game indicated what the West Ham fans thought about their side’s performance.

West Ham can call upon Paquetá and Edson Álvarez whose one match suspensions don’t kick in until they meet Brentford this Saturday.

As for Arsenal, they will be without Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian would probably not have played in this contest anyway and the chances are the player who replaced him in Saturday’s romp against Sheffield United will feature again.

With a first Premier League hat-trick of his career, it was a spectacular manner for Eddie Nketiah to banish any fears of the Brazilian’s absence proving costly.

Emile Smith Rowe, making his first start of the season, set up one of his goals could also figure again.

Dominating possession does not suit West Ham, who prefer to counterattack, so the visit of Arsenal for this last 16 tie may be better suited to them.

I think they will edge this.

History

The Gunners, historically, have had the edge with 72 victories compared to West Ham’s 35 triumphs. A further 41 meetings have been drawn.

That record is backed up recently too with West Ham emerging victorious in only one of their last 16 clashes. That came five seasons ago when they won 1-0 at home in front of their elated fans. The scorer of the only goal that day – a certain Declan Rice.

I fondly recall a six-goal thriller six years ago when Andy Carroll was the hero with an eight minute hat-trick.

West Ham have, generally, found Arsenal a tough nut to crack and lost at the Emirates 3-1 last season.

That was during the festive period when a first half Saïd Benrahma penalty was cancelled out by three goals in 16 minutes from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Nketiah.

The corresponding fixture in April was a blow to Arsenal’s title bid as they were pegged back after leading 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium.

Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard had put them in the ascendancy inside the opening 10 minutes before a Benrahma penalty reduced the arrears and Jarrod Bowen levelled matters for the Hammers early in the second half.

Betting Tip

Arsenal are slight favourites with the SBOTOP League Cup betting odds and you can tip them both 1X2 @ 2.15 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.99.

The draw after 90 minutes is on offer @ 3.20.

As for a home win, how about West Ham 1X2 @ 2.91 or Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.26 – which is my *** tip.

I think the Hammers will field a stronger side than their opponents, especially as the Gunners have a big Premier League encounter with Newcastle on Saturday teatime.

Goal options to consider include over 2.75 @ 2.19, total goal 0-1 @ 3.25, 2-3 @ 1.82 and 4-6 @ 3.30.

A bet that caught my eye is for West Ham to break through and win the tie with Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 7.00.

 

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