West Ham travel to the Emirates Stadium in what would be their second London Derby in a row to face an in-form Gunners side.
Despite their high flighing start this season, West Ham have been facing many a hammering as of late, winning one of their last eight games, winless in seven, losing four of those games. Appalling stuff for a team with European aspirations for next season. Sam Allardyce's men sit smack in the middle of the table in 10th position and although it may seem that they might be safe, further bad results may see them in unwanted relegation territory, although presently this statement may be a bit harsh.
Arsenal on the other hand are on a green patch. Riding high after having seen off Man U on Monday in their first win at Old Trafford since 2006, the Gunners have won six out of their last eight games in all competitions and are in 3rd position,
Arsenal have a good amount of first team players ready for action, bar Jack Wilshere who is close to return and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who got injured in the FA Cup fixture against Man United and is out till April. They may also be without Matheiu Flamini and new boy Gabriel who is said to be back next week. Long term injury listed players captain Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy are still chilling
On the other hand, West ham do have a full squad albeit with the exception of Enner Valencia whose off-field injury keeps him out of this one. Fellow strikers Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole sit this one out as well. Winston Reid also sits this one out with a hamstring injury.
Form dictates West ham are without a prayer with this one. Also key Arsenal players like Santi Carzola are on fire, others like Mezut Ozil are finding their form and the word on most people's lips is that Olivier Giroud may finally be getting their respect as Arsenal's main target man. West Ham do have the likes of Stewart Downing and James Tomkins to add a competitive edge to this fixture, but I still see this going Arsenal's way.
No comments:
Post a Comment