Arsenal host West Ham at Emirates Stadium in a festive London derby, as Mikel Arteta’s Gunners look to return to the Premier League summit.
Victory would see Arsenal move back to the top of the table, whilst West Ham can go sixth with a win.
Team News
Kai Havertz is suspended for Arsenal after he picked up his fifth booking in their “unbelievable” draw at Liverpool.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Jurrien Timbers (knee), Fabio Vieira (groin) and Thomas Partey (muscle) remain absent.
West Ham could welcome Nayef Aguerd and Maxwel Cornet back from illness which forced the pair to miss their win over Manchester United.
Michail Antonio remains absent with a knee injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Arsenal host West Ham at Emirates Stadium on Thursday 28 December in a 8:15pm GMT kick-off, live on Amazon Prime in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight league meetings against West Ham (W6, D2).
- West Ham have lost each of their last seven league visits to Arsenal (L7).
- Gabriel Martinelli has scored in each of his last two appearances at home to West Ham (W2).
- Bukayo Saka has scored in each of Arsenal’s two London derbies played at hom this season (D2), although both fixtures against Fulham and Tottenham ended in respective 2-2 draws.
- Jarrod Bowen has scored in two of West Ham’s three away London derbies so far this season (W1, L2).
Prediction
Following their edgy draw at Liverpool in which they pushed their luck defensively at times after a bright attacking start, Arsenal should come into this contest full of confidence having sat top at Xmas and are yet to lose at home this season.
West Ham meanwhile have struggled in their London derbies on the road this season but after a resilient defensive display in a smash-and-grab win over Man Utd, they shouldn’t fear this game too much if can soak up the pressure and exploit their fast counter-attack ability.
David Moyes’ Hammers also will have confidence from beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup in late October – albeit at home, but will face a far stronger Arsenal line-up here so I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes scrappy but the Gunners just might win this if they don’t waste chances.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 West Ham
Result: Arsenal 0-2 West Ham
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