Harry Redknapp is predicting a close battle when West Ham entertain Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League London derby at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have endured a difficult start to life under new manager Julen Lopetegui but Monday night’s surprise win at Newcastle could kickstart their campaign.
Arsenal, meanwhile, appear back to be somewhere near their best having won their last two matches, scoring eight goals and conceding jus once.
The return of Martin Odegaard has coincided with a return to the foreflowing football that characterised their run to the brink of the title last season.
Mikel Arteta”s men have had mixed fortunes against their east London rivals in the recent past and came unstuck at the Emirates in a 2-0 defeat nearly a year ago.
Arsenal also suffered a comprehensive defeat in the Carabao Cup but had their revenge in a 5-0 thrashing which saw Declan Rice score against his former team a few months later.
Previewing the game for football betting site BetVictor, the former West Ham manager said: his should be a good one. ‘I didn’t see West Ham’s win at Newcastle coming, that was a big surprise.
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‘I thought West Ham were superb defensively and always posed a threat on the break, Jarrod Bowen was superb.
‘Arsenal look like they’ve turned a corner and arrive here fresh off that brilliant performance in Portugal. Liverpool obviously have a healthy lead but Arsenal are still right in this title race, particularly with Martin Odegaard now fully fit.
‘I think Arsenal will edge this, but it might be a nervy one.’
‘It’s got to be Martin Odegaard, what a top player,’ Redknapp added when asked for a player to watch.
‘Arsenal’s performances are night and day when he’s fit and at his best.’