One of Arsenal’s more difficult fixtures in this tense run in awaits as Arsenal travel to Upton Park to take on a dangerous West Ham side.
Two fantastic performances against Everton and Watford see the Gunners looking to increase the pressure on 2nd placed Tottenham with a third straight victory. Players such as Mohamed Elneny, Gabriel and especially Alex Iwobi have come into the side to provide more balance, while the resurgence of Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin respectively has been timely, to say the least. West Ham, however, are going for a top four place despite seasonal inconsistency. A solid back four provides a base for the trio of attacking midfielders who have wreaked havoc all season; Manuel Lanzini with his flair, Michail Antonio with his directness and of course, Dimitri Payet, with his magic. Arsenal have always had to fight at Upton Park, and with nothing to lose but so much to gain, West Ham are sure to attack Arsenal from the offset.
Arsenal are likely to remain with the revelation that has been the Francis Coquelin-Elneny pivot to combat the West Ham attacking trio, while the form of the rest of the team also warrants that they retain their place in the side. The only decision Arsene Wenger has to make is whether to put Olivier Giroud up front instead of Danny Welbeck, and abandon the counter attacking style for a more conservative one.
Arsenal need to watch out for Payet. While lacking from open play, his set pieces, whether providing or scoring, have proven to be devastating, and any free kick within 30 yards will feel like a penalty conceded for the Arsenal defence.
Arsenal’s most dangerous, or rather effective, player, may surprisingly be Elneny. 122/127 completed passes last weekend shows his ability to control the midfield while his defensive capabilities should be enough to nullify the threat of Lanzini.
Match facts
– The reverse fixture on the opening day of the season resulted in a 2-0 win for West Ham.
– West Ham United are looking to win both matches against Arsenal in the same Barclays Premier League season for the first time since 2006/07
– West Ham are unbeaten at home since August
– Giroud has scored in five of his last six games against West Ham.
Team news
– No fresh injuries, rather comebacks, for Arsenal. Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini face late fitness tests to be included in the squad, while Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky are set to play in the under-21s fixture on Friday. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla are “not far” from recovery.
– Sam Byram and James Collins remain out but James Tomkins may make a return at right back for West Ham. Cheikhou Kouyate’s red card was rescinded so he will go straight back in the side.
Predicted XI
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Elneny; Alexis, Ozil, Iwobi; Welbeck
West Ham: (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble, Kouyate; Antonio, Payet, Lanzini; Sakho
