17:30 Saturday

Below, Macca has provided more detail on each part of his bet builder. At the time of writing, it was a best price 9/2 on SpreadEx.

Saka Over 0.5 Assists

Bukayo Saka is well-positioned to add to his assist tally this weekend. The Hammers have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.69 xG per game in the Premier League this season. A figure that worsens to 1.89 xG at home. This defensive vulnerability is a key factor that Saka, one of the league’s most creative players can exploit.

Saka’s performances align closely with his impressive 0.69 xA (expected assists) per game, showcasing his ability to create high-quality chances regularly. Against a West Ham side that has struggled to keep clean sheets against top-tier opposition, Saka is primed to make a significant impact here. With odds over 2/1, it’s a great value play for the bet builder.

Saliba Over 1.5 Tackles

William Saliba has been a defensive powerhouse for Arsenal this season, averaging 2.81 tackles per 90 minutes. The Frenchman has consistently hit the 2+ tackle mark in all but one game where he’s played over 30 minutes. The only exception came against bottom of the league Southampton, an outlier in an otherwise consistent record.

Against West Ham, Saliba will likely find himself in direct duels with Michail Antonio, a physical forward who leads the line for the Hammers. Antonio is second highest in the West Ham squad for being dispossessed, averaging 2.1 times per 90 minutes, a statistic that highlights his tendency to engage defenders and risk losing the ball. This sets the stage perfectly for Saliba to add to his tackle count.

Given West Ham's preference for targeting Antonio as a focal point in their attack and Arsenal’s high-pressing defensive approach, I think it’s the perfect match up.