Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen says that he is expecting Arsenal to comfortably beat West Ham and get three points in the weekend’s league match.

The gunners have an upcoming Champions League match against Monaco just a few days away. Since they are trailing 3-1 from the first leg, it has been suggested that Arsene Wenger may rest some of his big names in anticipation of getting an early goal against Monaco. Owen says that this may not be the case, as Wenger will be wary of giving up on the third place in the league.

Unlike in the last couple of seasons, Arsenal appear to be the favourites to comfortably finish in the top four this season. They might have only a one-point advantage over Manchester United, but Arsenal have been playing much better football – at least in the league – than the Red Devils. The reason to dropped points for Manchester City has also given a lot of motivation for Arsenal to try and grab the second spot. Wenger recently admitted that he felt that winning the title was asking a bit too much of his team at this point, but he spoke with a lot of confidence about finishing in the second place.

“The Hammers were excellent at White Hart Lane last month, despite having to settle for a point, and they were unlucky not to get a draw against league leaders Chelsea at Upton Park last time. That said Arsenal will be desperate to maintain their challenge for a vital Champions League place and confidence will be high after their FA Cup success over Manchester United earlier in the week.Sam Allardyce has never managed a winning team at Arsenal in the PL in ten previous attempts and is unlikely to buck that trend at the weekend,” said Owen.