Arsenal vs West Ham: Live Stream, Prediction & Lineups

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Arsenal face a crucial weekend as they prepare to host West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in a must-win Premier League clash. With Liverpool dropping points against Aston Villa, the Gunners have a chance to close the gap at the top of the table to five points. However, Mikel Arteta’s side must overcome their attacking injury crisis to secure a vital victory.

Arsenal’s Title Hopes

Arsenal’s title hopes were reignited after Liverpool’s draw with Aston Villa, leaving the Reds eight points ahead but having played an extra game. A win against West Ham would reduce the gap to five points, keeping Arsenal in the race. However, the Gunners’ attacking options are severely limited due to injuries, with key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus sidelined.

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal showed resilience last weekend with a 2-0 win over Leicester City, thanks to a tactical masterstroke from Arteta. The Spaniard deployed Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, and the move paid off as Merino scored both goals. Arteta will need similar ingenuity to overcome West Ham.

West Ham’s Struggles

West Ham United, on the other hand, are in a dire run of form. Graham Potter’s side have won just one of their last eight games across all competitions, slipping to 16th in the Premier League table. While they have a ten-point cushion over the relegation zone, Potter is under pressure to turn things around.

The Hammers will take solace from their 2-0 win at the Emirates last season, a result that dented Arsenal’s title hopes. However, replicating that performance will be a tall order given their current struggles.

Team News and Tactics

Arsenal

Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns following their win over Leicester. Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined after knee surgery, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to return after the international break. Ben White, who was an unused substitute last weekend, could feature in this match.

Arteta is likely to stick with the same lineup that secured victory at the King Power Stadium. Mikel Merino, the hero of that match, may start again, while Ethan Nwaneri could play a key role in the attack.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling

West Ham United

West Ham will be without Lucas Paquetá, who suffered an ankle injury in training. Evan Ferguson could make his full debut in place of the Brazilian. Vladimir Coufal and Crysencio Summerville are also sidelined, while long-term absentees Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio remain out.

Potter is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ferguson leading the line. Carlos Soler will likely start on the left, while Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus provide support from the wings.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Souček, Álvarez; Bowen, Kudus, Soler; Ferguson

Key Stats

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League games.
The Gunners have scored at least two goals in eight of their last ten matches against West Ham.
West Ham have won just one of their last seven Premier League games.
Graham Potter has won three of his four games at the Emirates as a visiting manager.
West Ham have conceded 11 goals in their last two games against Arsenal.

Player to Watch: Ethan Nwaneri

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Ethan Nwaneri has been a revelation for Arsenal this season. The teenager was outstanding against Leicester City, showcasing his composure, creativity, and technical ability. With Arsenal’s attacking options limited, Nwaneri has a golden opportunity to cement his place in the team and play a pivotal role in their title challenge.

Arsenal vs West Ham Prediction

Arsenal’s strong home form and West Ham’s struggles make the Gunners clear favorites for this clash. Despite their injury woes, Arteta’s side should have enough quality to secure a comfortable victory.