Arsenal will be looking to continue their fantastic record against West Ham when the east London outfit travel to N5 on Saturday afternoon. West Ham’s last win was in April 2007 and they were the first team to win at the Emirates but they have come unstuck against the Gunners in recent seasons.
Match Preview
West Ham come into this one off the back off two successive defeats to London rivals Chelsea and Crystal Palace respectively, with both defeats coming at Upton Park. The Irons’ last away trip in the league was on the other side of north London as they blew a 2-0 lead with nine minutes to go at White Hart Lane, and they haven’t won away from home in the league since winning 2-1 at the Hawthorns on the 2nd December. It doesn’t get any easier for the Hammers as their record against Arsenal is very poor with no win against the Gunners in the last 14 meetings between the two sides.
As for Arsenal, they haven’t lost outside of London since New Year’s Day and after deservedly beating Manchester United on Monday night in the FA Cup, there’s optimism around the Emirates Stadium with only two home league defeats since 2013. The Gunners haven’t lost at home to a team in the English capital since the back end of 2012. Their formidable record against their east London counterparts will count for something to protect as the two lock horns on Saturday afternoon with Arsenal 15 points ahead of tenth-placed West Ham.
Team News
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury, however Mathieu Flamini is back in contention after injury.
Alex Song may miss his Arsenal return with a knee injury and Enner Valencia is doubtful following a cut toe after standing on a broken teacup. 16-year old Reece Oxford may be involved due to injuries to James Tomkins and Winston Reid whilst Arsenal loanee Carl Jenkinson is ineligible against his parent club.
Prediction
I think this could be quite a scoreline. If you look at West Ham’s injury problems in defence, Alex Song and Enner Valencia both out and throw their poor form into the equation, Arsenal may fancy their chances of boosting goal difference. Arsenal 3-0 West Ham.
