West Ham’s season went from bad to worse during the week. They were not only dumped out of the EFL Cup but injuries picked up to Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell has heaped further misery on Slaven Bilic ahead of the reception of Arsenal.
The Hammers have failed to win any of their last five in all competitions and are only above the bottom three on goal difference. Despite what has been a turbulent transition into the London Stadium, West Ham are unbeaten in their last four home matches across all competitions.
Arsenal also come into this match off the back of a disappointing cup exit in midweek, but they will field an almost entirely different team this weekend. The Gunners have only managed one win in their last five competitive matches but they are still unbeaten away from home this season. Naijabet.com
West Ham are unbeaten in their last two matches against Arsenal, which should give Bilic’s side some confidence ahead of this fixture. Andy Carroll scored a hat-trick in this corresponding 3-3 draw last season and could make a return to the starting XI here after a three-month absence through injury.
His availability could change the outcome of this London derby, although Arsenal should still come away with three points to keep pace with their title rivals.
Team News
West Ham – West Ham have real problems ahead of their home encounter with Arsenal on Sunday with both Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio unlikely to be fit in time after both picking up injuries during their 4-1 defeat to Manchester United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
This could force Slaven Bilic to scrap his back five with limited options in both of their wing back positions. Fortunately, Arthur Masuaku returned in the defeat after a two-month absence and will fill in at left-back, with Håvard Nordtveit expected to deputise on the other side of the back four.
The change in formation could push Cheikhou Kouyate back into midfield alongside Mark Noble, who was rested in midweek. Darren Randolph should also return to the team after Adrian was given a run out in goal.
With Diafra Sakho ruled out for six weeks, Bilic may have to gamble on Andy Carroll’s fitness and unleash him against Arsenal this weekend.
Arsenal – Lucas Perez returned to first team action in Arsenal’s surprise 2-0 defeat against Southampton on Wednesday but won’t start against West Ham this weekend.
Mohamed Elneny was ill before and during their EFL Cup defeat before being subbed off before half-time and the midfielder remains a doubt here.
Arsene Wenger is confident Olivier Giroud can overcome his slight knock to be available this weekend, but the away side are still set to be without Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck, Chuba Akpom, Hector Bellerin, Mathieu Debuchy and Yaya Sanogo.
Welbeck has returned to training but is still four weeks away from first-team action. Santi Cazorla will undergo surgery to correct his Achilles tendon injury and has been ruled out for up to three months.
Carl Jenkinson hasn’t excelled at right back in Bellerin’s absence, which could force Wenger to play Gabriel there.
Match Facts
West Ham have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 7 home matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in their last 8 away matches against West Ham in all competitions.
Arsenal are undefeated in their last 12 matches in Premier League.
Arsenal are undefeated in 16 of their last 17 matches against West Ham in all competitions.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 6 of West Ham’s last 7 games (Premier League).
As at this post West Ham has 4.75 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Arsenal has 1.66 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.90.