Arsenal travel away to their London rivals West Ham United as both clubs are ready for an exciting encounter at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The previous match week saw Arsenal dominate Liverpool at the Emirates and take all 3 points from the league leaders. Arteta’s shift in dynamics came as a shock to Klopp’s Reds, as they had the ball in the net 3 times. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and super sub Leandro Trossard inked their names on the scoresheet.
West Ham on the other hand are winless from their last meeting against the Gunners where they beat them 2-0 at the Emirates late December. Ever since, they have played out four draws and lost twice with their last outing the previous match week being a 3-0 humbling by Manchester United. Moyes will look to change their declining form of games with a double against the Gunners.
Arsenal will prepare themselves for the fixture with boosted confidence after beating Liverpool last time out and continuing their winning streak to 3 games and put points on the board.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: 11th February 2024, Sunday
Time: 7:30 HRS IST
Venue: London Stadium
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Craig Pawson.
Assistants: Marc Perry, Steve Meredith.
Fourth Official: Graham Scott.
VAR: John Brooks.
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts.
TEAM NEWS
Jurien Timber is still recovering from his long-term knee injury and is expected to return later this month. Fabio Viera (Groin) and Thomas Partey (thigh) are all still unavailable due to injuries. Zinchenko and Jesus are the latest to pick up an injury and will be assessed whether they’ll be deemed fit to play.
With Japan out of Asia Cup, Tomiyasu is back in contention to start and so is Mo Elneny who returned from AFCON for Egypt.
For the host, Michail Antonio (knee) and Lucas Paqueta (calf) remain sidelined long-term. Goalkeeper Areola should be back between the sticks after coming off at haltime picking up an injury through face collision.
PRE-GAME TACTICAL ANALYSIS
The reverse fixture between the two teams saw West Ham surprising Arsenal with a 2-0 victory at the Emirates. Tomas Soucek and ex-Arsenal talent Mavropanos were on the scoresheet last time around.
The Hammers are aiming to do the league double over Arsenal for the first time since 2006-07.
Arsenal were quite unlucky in the reverse fixture as they had an expected goals xG at 2.77 with 30 shots to their name but weren’t clinical in front of the goal and failed to capitalise.
Mikel Arteta is expected to field the same lineup against West Ham. Last match week saw the inclusion of Jorginho’s in the midfield which helped Rice massively in the middle of the pitch. Jesus missing out meant Havertz started at CF and he made the most of it despite not scoring/assisting. His physicality against Konate and Van Djk was an additional boost for the Gunners.
Arsenal beat the Premier League leaders last time around and narrowed down their points gap on the table which is another reason why they are expected to have the upper hand in this one as well.
Can the Hammers take advantage of their fortress and upset the travelling Gunners?
KEY PLAYERS
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham’s top scorer this season has been in phenomenal form this season. He’s been able to find the net consistently this season. 11 goals this season with a chance to equal his previous best tally of Premier League goals for an entire season. Interestingly, he has scored in all four appearances against Arsenal at London Stadium in all competitions. His technical ability is quite underrated in the league, which rightly makes him an important asset that hardly gets spoken off.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabi has been in top form lately after underperforming in the first half of the season. Martinelli is known for his directness and burst of pace which all round mould him into a lethal player. His versatility allow him to spark a shift and come in the centre to act as a CF at times, such intelligent movements give Arsenal an additional boost in their offensive strategy. His energy and work rate also help Arsenal in leading their press! Can he pose questions on the Hammer’s defence?
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal XI vs West Ham: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
West Ham XI vs Arsenal: Areola, Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson, Alvarez, Soucek, Johnson, Ward-Prowse, Kudus, Bowen.
