Arsenal welcome West Ham to Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon in
a battle between two sides needing three points for entirely different
reasons.
The Gunners go into the weekend’s clash five points off fifth-placed
Manchester United, while David Moyes’ side are only above the relegation
zone on goal difference.
Team News
Arsenal
have multiple injuries ahead of this game, that particularly affect
their backline with Calum Chambers (torn ACL) is out for the season,
while full-backs Sead Kolašinac (shoulder) and Cédric Soares (knee) are
also ruled out for this game.
Midfielder Lucas Torreira was stretchered off on Monday night with a fractured ankle and will be sidelined as a result.
In better news for the Gunners, left-back Kieran Tierney is close to
full recovery from his shoulder problem, although he is unlikely to make
an appearance this weekend.
As for West Ham, their several injuries will test their midfield
depth for the weekend’s clash. Both Tomáš Souček and Jack Wilshere are
suffering from hip problems, while Ryan Fredericks recently underwent
shoulder surgery and is not expected back for some time.
Head to Head
Saturday’s game represents the 142nd meeting between the two sides,
with Arsenal recording 67 wins in comparison to West Ham’s 35.
The Hammers were the first team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates in
2007 courtesy of a Bobby Zamora goal, but have fallen to defeat in their
last four visits to North London.
Freddie Ljungberg recorded his only victory as the Gunners’ interim
manager against West Ham back in December, as goals from Martinelli,
Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed a 3-1 victory for
Arsenal.
Recent Form
Arsenal are enjoying the longest current unbeaten run in the top flight, with three wins and four draws in seven games.
The Gunners are also looking to win three consecutive league matches in the same season for the first time since February.
They have won three of their last four home league fixtures, drawing the other.
West Ham have lost four of their past six Premier League games but did win against Southampton last time out.
They have the worst form in the division over the past eight matches.
West Ham have lost 22 points from a winning position this campaign, five more than any other club.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Mari, Mustafi, Saka; Xhaka, Ceballos, Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette
West Ham United possible starting lineup: Fabianski; Ngakia, Ogbonna, Diop, Cresswell; Rice, Noble, Bowen, Fornals, Anderson; Antonio
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