“Arsenal will play some of the kids again” – Pundit Charlie Nicholas reveals prediction for Arsenal vs West Ham clash
Former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas has revealed his prediction for this evening’s encounter between the Gunners and West Ham United.
The Hammers managed to hold Arsenal to a 0-0 draw last week in the Premier League. David Moyes’ side even came close to snatching all three points in the final moments of the game when Javier Hernandez’s strike was denied by the post.
West Ham went on to register a 3-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday to move up into 15th spot in the League.
Arsenal meanwhile recorded a narrow victory over relegation battlers Newcastle United. The Gunners’ only goal came via a stunning volley by Mesut Ozil.
Charlie Nicholas is backing Arsenal to continue their winning run and progress to the League Cup semi-finals tonight. Nicholas told SkySports that his former side will have the edge over Moyes’ back-up players.
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“I think the West Ham boys will be given a deserved rest here,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.
“I’m a strong believer in momentum but it has been an intense run for them and they were fantastic at the weekend [against Stoke].
“David Moyes is a friend of mine but it was always going to be a graft for him.
“The tools were there with the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Winston Reid, who was being touted as a £20m signing for Liverpool 18 months ago.
“But it has been impressive how quickly he’s got them all pulling in the same direction.
“However, the league has to be the priority here despite climbing a few places and I’d expect seven or eight changes.
“Arsenal will play some of the kids again but I can see them wearing the visitors down.
“The quality of Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott being enough to get the job done.”
Arsene Wenger has traditionally fielded youngsters in the League Cup, however, this season’s competition may prove to be one of the Gunners’ best hopes for silverware.