Arsenal return to action on Sunday afternoon with a trip to East London to face West Ham United. The Gunners know that they could be playing catch up heading into the match at London Stadium, with their title rivals all playing favourable home games on Saturday.
Injury News - Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has suggested that he is hopeful of welcoming back some of his injured players. Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber both remain out of contention due to long-term injuries, although the latter has been included in Arsenal's Champions League squad, suggesting a return could be on the cards before the end of the season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu's return from the Asian Cup comes at the perfect time, with Oleksandr Zinchenko a doubt for the game having been withdrawn against Liverpool due to a calf problem. Arteta commented that there was "no update" regarding Gabriel Jesus which could mean he continues to miss out. Fabio Vieira continues to be an unknown.
There is good news though regarding the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who also came off against Liverpool. He is expected to be fit and make the trip on Sunday.
Injury News - West Ham United
David Moyes told the media in his pre-match press conference that while both Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio are close to a return, the game against Arsenal was likely to be too soon for the pair. Alphonse Areola is expected to be fit for the game.
Form
Arsenal come into the game on the back of three straight wins and will be buoyed by their victory over Liverpool last weekend. West Ham meanwhile are winless in four league games, losing 3-0 to Manchester United in their last fixture. They drew their previous three matches, with their last win coming in the 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.
Recent History
Arsenal have played West Ham 150 times throughout their history and have won 72, drawn 41 and lost 37. West Ham have beaten Arsenal twice this season, firstly in a 3-1 victory in the League Cup and secondly in their 2-0 win at the Emirates in December.
Prior to this season, Arsenal were unbeaten in their last eight games against the Hammers, but did surrender a two-goal lead at the London Stadium last year that contributed to their downfall in the title race.
Played For Both
Arsenal and West Ham have shared a host of players over the years, with the most recent and notable player being Declan Rice, who signed for Arsenal for £105million in the summer. Lukasz Fabianski is the only current player in the West Ham squad who has represented The Gunners.
When trawling through the archives even further, Davor Suker and Matthew Upson both had spells in East London, while forgotten Arsenal man Kaba Diawara signed for West Ham on loan in 2000.
Prediction
Arsenal will know the importance of maintaining their recent up-turn in form. Having beaten Liverpool last week, they simply have to win to continue to be a serious presence in the title race. The Gunners could find themselves five points behind Liverpool and three behind Manchester City at the close of play on Saturday if results go against them.
While Arsenal will have scars from last seasons collapse at West Ham, this feels a different side that should have enough to see the job through.
West Ham United 0-2 Arsenal.
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