Arsenal are preparing to take on West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in another huge clash at the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping to move to within five points of leaders Liverpool, who are starting to feel the pressure after dropping more points away at Aston Villa – Arne Slot had a meltdown.
Fans are convinced Virgil Van Dijk is worried after the Liverpool skipper slipped up in a post-match interview by mentioning Arsenal instead of his opponents Aston Villa.
It won’t be plain sailing at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners know that all too well after losing 2-0 to the Hammers last season and Konstantinos Mavropanos scored on his return to the club.
Graham Potter says his side ‘have a plan’ for the challenge of Mikel Arteta’s side
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of West Ham’s trip to Arsenal, manager Graham Potter has spoken about his side’s challenge of coming to the Emirates and getting a result.
Potter stated: “Arsenal are a top team, but I think it’s a good game for us in terms of responding to the disappointment last week, and we’re looking forward to it.
“I think Mikel’s done a great job in terms of developing the Club, and the team. They’re competing at the top end of all the competitions, so we know it’s going to be a tough game.”
The former Chelsea boss then spoke about how he was preparing his side for the game and where they may be able to hurt a Gunners side struggling with injuries.
Potter explained: “When you’ve done your analysis on a team you have to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and put a plan together that you think gives you a chance to go there, be competitive and get a result. It’s not going to be easy, but that’s what we’re in the Premier League for.
“They’ve got some injuries, but my experience tells me that there’s never a good or bad time to play a team like Arsenal. Whoever plays, they’re going to be extremely competitive, so we know what we’re up against and the challenge is to be ready for that.”
Arsenal need to improve their record against Graham Potter sides
This will be the fourth different team that Arsenal would have come up against with Potter in charge, having first encountered the 49-year-old manager in the Europa League against Swedish side Ostersunds.
The Gunners have won just four of nine meetings against Potter teams, including four defeats, one of which came in that Europa League clash at the Emirates.
Arsenal have won the Premier League with injuries before under former manager Arsene Wenger and Arteta will know that if he is to repeat that feat, he needs to improve their record against Potter.
Mikel Merino may start the game in a new auxiliary striker role whilst it is expected that Jurrien Timber will continue at right back despite the return of Ben White to the matchday squad.
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