Friday, 8 April 2016

WEST HAM V ARSENAL- HAMMERS SEEK TO DO THE DOUBLE OVER LONDON RIVALS- MATCH PREVIEW

Back on the opening weekend of the Barclays Premier League season, Arsenal had 62 per cent possession and 22 shots, but lost 2-1 to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.
Typical Arsenal, thought football fans. That result, however, was huge for the Hammers, even if they did not know it yet.
It started a run for Slaven Bilic that saw his side also win away at Liverpool and Manchester City, claiming three scalps in as many games, as Dimitri Payet introduced himself to English football.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic pictured celebrating their win over Arsenal at the Emirates in August

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (right) pictured with his head in his hands during their defeat by West Ham




West Ham are aiming for their first double in the Premier League over Arsenal since 2006-07
West Ham are aiming for their first double in the Premier League over Arsenal since 2006-07

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES 

Saturday
West Ham vs Arsenal (12.45pm)
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
Crystal Palace vs Norwich
Southampton vs Newcastle
Swansea vs Chelsea
Watford vs Everton
Man City vs West Brom (5.30pm)
Sunday
Sunderland vs Leicester (1.30pm)
Liverpool vs Stoke (4pm)
Tottenham vs Man Utd (4pm)
3pm kick-off unless otherwise stated
Eight months on, and Saturday's London derby between West Ham and Arsenal has a lot more riding on it than just the usual bragging rights at Upton Park.
If West Ham lose, they will, in all likelihood, not qualify for Champions League football as it would give the two Manchester clubs a chance to pull away.  
If Arsenal lose, they will be all but out of the Premier League title race - if they aren't already. 
Welcome to the business end of the season, where failing to win can be unforgiving.
This is West Ham's third London derby on the trot, having drawn against Crystal Palace and Chelsea in their last two games, with both ending 2-2.
A draw, however, is not inviting to either side, so this is set to be do or die for both.
If West Ham are to qualify for Europe's elite competition and Arsenal compete with Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur to be crowned champions, then winning is a must.Kouyate
Kouyate is available after his red card was rescinded. Photo: PA
West Ham have the luxury of a fully-fit squad for the visit of Arsenal.
Defenders James Collins and Sam Byram were due to train on Friday following spells out injured, and although they are unlikely to be thrown straight back in their return means boss Slaven Bilic has an empty treatment room for a change.
Midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is available after his red card against Crystal Palace last weekend was overturned.
Midfielders Aaron Ramsey (thigh) and Mathieu Flamini (hamstring) could come into contention after recovering from injuries before Arsenal play West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Cech
Cech is expected to start for Arsenal. Credit: PA
Goalkeeper Petr Cech is expected to start after returning to the substitutes' bench against Watford following a calf problem, with David Ospina making way.
Jack Wilshere (leg) and Tomas Rosicky (thigh) were slated to play in Friday night's Under-21s game, while Santi Cazorla (Achilles) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) continue their rehabilitation.
West Ham squad: Adrian, Randolph, Tomkins, Ogbonna, Reid, Cresswell, O'Brien, Oxford, Noble, Kouyate, Song, Obiang, Moses, Lanzini, Payet, Antonio, Valencia, Carroll, Emenike, Sakho.
Arsenal squad: Ospina, Cech, Macey, Monreal, Gibbs, Gabriel, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Bellerin, Elneny, Ramsey, Flamini, Ozil, Reine-Adelaide, Iwobi, Sanchez, Campbell, Walcott, Welbeck, Giroud.




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