Arsenal will travel to the London Stadium this afternoon to take on West Ham United in a Premier League clash.
As well being a chance to make more progress towards potentially winning the Premier League title, this is also a revenge mission for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already faced the Hammers twice this season. First, in the EFL Cup back in early November, the east London outfit beat a heavily rotated Arsenal side 3-1.
Then, in late December, the two capital city clubs met for the first time in the Premier League this season, at the Emirates Stadium. As the Gunners spurned numerous chances to score, David Moyes’ men were able to secure a 2-0 victory.
Arsenal cannot afford another slip-up against the Irons. Arteta’s side worked so hard to revive their title hopes with a win over Liverpool last time out. Arsenal have now been warned that they will undo so much of their recent good work if they aren’t at their best against West Ham.
Therefore, Arteta is likely to pick the strongest side he can for this encounter.
Arsenal team and injury news
Longer-term absentees such as Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, and Jurrien Timber will once again be out of action for this encounter.
As for Gabriel Jesus, who missed out against Liverpool having sustained an injury, he may be in contention for a return. However, it could be that the Brazilian striker is only ready for a position on the bench from the start.
Oleksandr Zinchenko picked up a knock against Liverpool and was withdrawn at half-time. There is no reason to risk the Ukrainian if he is still feeling some of the effects of that injury, as not only did Jakub Kiwior come on in his place and impress against the Reds, but Takehiro Tomiyasu is also now available for selection once again, having returned from the Asia Cup.
Finally, in his recent press conference, Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka would be ok for this game. The Hale End academy graduate looked to be in some discomfort when he was withdrawn against Liverpool, but seems to have recovered well enough for a starting berth against West Ham.
Predicted Arsenal starting XI to face West Ham
There is no reason to rush back either Zinchenko or Tomiyasu, whilst Emile Smith Rowe may well have been earmarked to return to the fold having dropped out of the team for the visit of Liverpool. His inclusion would allow Kai Havertz to continue leading the line, if Jesus is not 100% fit to start.
David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Declan Rice, Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz.
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