West Ham make the short trip across London to face Arsenal in a huge game in the battle for a Champions League spot.
Just two points separate the sides and the Hammers will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointing 0-0 draw away at Burnley.
So far this season, West Ham have a habit of performing their best in the big games, such as the 3-2 win over Chelsea less than two weeks ago, David Moyes will be hoping for another positive London derby result.
West Ham play Arsenal in an eye-catching clash that could be vital in the race for a top four finish.
Team News
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has chosen to strip the captaincy from star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after disciplinary issues. He will miss out on this game too. This could either galvanise Arsenal or the chaotic last few days could take it’s toll.
The Metro have claimed there has been a player revolt against Aubameyang, his teammates believed he was not fit to wear the armband anymore.
For West Ham, manager David Moyes said, “We’re hoping Aaron Cresswell has a chance, we’re pushing hard for him to be ready for the game.”
The left-back has been out due to a back injury sustained in the defeat to Man City 2-1.
Moyes also confirmed, “we have no Covid in the camp” as well as stressing how hard the schedule is with West Ham having three games in six days.
How could West Ham line-up?
If Cresswell is fit he will surely start ahead of Arthur Masuaku. The rest of the defence should be unchanged due to injuries with Vladimir Coufal, Issa Diop and Craig Dawson playing.
Worryingly, Michail Antonio has been in poor form lately with some fans calling for him to be dropped. With the busy schedule approaching, Jarrod Bowen could start up front.
Elsewhere, Said Benrahma has also been struggling of late to produce his best performances, expect Pablo Fornals to return to the starting XI.
Due to injuries, expect some youngsters that featured versus Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League to be amongst the substitutes. for example, Ajibola Alese and Harrison Ashby.
Stats
- Arsenal have won 10 of their last 11 home Premier League matches versus West Ham.
- The Gunners are undefeated in seven home league matches, winning their last four. Since Arteta’s arrival they have never won five in a row at the Emirates Stadium.
- Arsenal are 2nd place in the league table with only home matches counting.
- West Ham are unbeaten in their last eight midweek league games.
- Moyes has never won away at Arsenal (in 17 attempts).
- This will be Moyes’ 600th Premier League match as a manager.