The Premier League leaders head across the capital today for a London derby with a Hammers side involved in their own major battle. Both West Ham and Arsenal are looking to extend their respective three-point advantages in the relegation fight and the title race.
For David Moyes’ side, a midweek draw in Europe kept them ticking over amid a wildly unpredictable spell of form. With a pair of four-goal wins and a pair of four-goal defeats on their recent record, anything is possible from West Ham this afternoon as their rested stars return to the team.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have staggeringly little margin for error as a rampant Manchester City side chases them for the title. William Saliba will once again miss out as they look to extend their seven-game unbeaten run over the Hammers. Follow West Ham vs Arsenal LIVE via Standard Sport’s matchday blog, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings and Malik Ouzia at the London Stadium.
Live updates
David Moyes to Sky Sports: Title race not my concern
“The only interest I have is what we need to do; we need points, we need to work hard, to play well.
“Arsenal are our opponent but I’ve not interest in what they have to do today.”
No Zinchenko? No worries!
Arsenal have a very decent Premier League record without Oleksandr Zinchenko in their team…
In the seven games played earlier on in the campaign due to knee and calf injuries, they boast six wins and a draw.
That includes key victories away to Brentford and Leeds!
Simon Collings at London Stadium
We have both Arsenal reporter Simon Collings and West Ham correspondent Malik Ouzia on location today, providing expert analysis for the blog plus player ratings later on. Marc Mayo is on the play-by-play calls.
Aaron Cresswell to Sky Sports: Newcastle shock in the past
“The game wasn’t good on our part, we made plenty of mistakes but we’ve had to put that one behind us.
“We got a good result against Fulham and we’ve to move on now.”
No Oleksandr Zinchenko for Arsenal
A tight groin injury for the left-back has been confirmed by the Gunners, meaning Kieran Tierney gets his start.
It’s otherwise unchanged for Arsenal with Eddie Nketiah back on the bench.
Eight changes for West Ham
As expected, West Ham welcome back their first-choice starters following the draw in the Europa Conference League.
Vladimir Coufal, Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen are the only players put through both games while Michail Antonio leads the line, moving Danny Ings to the bench.
Arsenal’s line-up for this game
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Subs: Turner, Walters, Kiwior, Jorginho, Vieira, Trossard, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Nelson.
How West Ham line up today
West Ham XI: Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Kehrer, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio.
Subs: Johnson, Fornals, Lanzini, Downes, Areola, Cornet, Ings, Emerson Palmieri, Anang.
West Ham vs Arsenal: Countdown to kick-off
Just over an hour until we get going in the east end – so here comes the line-ups!
Bukayo Saka pays tribute to former Man City pair
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are playing a key role on and off the pitch in Arsenal’s title bid, says Bukayo Saka
“I think in two ways [they are influencing us],” said Saka. “Of course they are quality [on the pitch], they are both special players.
“And then with their experience, they have been in many title races and fought for the biggest of trophies. So, they are just sharing their experiences with us and helping us mentally keep going.”
Will Zinchenko be fit to start, however? Team news up next!
