Two teams looking to bounce back will clash in a London derby on Wednesday when Arsenal host West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners ran riot in the reverse fixture, they won it 5-1 in December when Alexis Sanchez scored a hat-trick. However, last season West Ham won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium and then the two teams produced a spectacular 3-3 draw at Boleyn Ground. Overall, Arsenal have won four of the last six direct meetings.
Arsenal are struggling at the moment, they have not won a Premier League match since February when they beat relegation contenders Hull City 2-0. They have lost three of their last five Premier League matches and last weekend they clinched a 2-2 home draw against Manchester City after having to fight back twice from one goal down. They are currently sixth in the league table and anything but a win on Wednesday would seriously endanger their chances of reaching the top four. Laurent Koscielny picked up a knock last weekend and will most likely sit this one out.
West Ham are in a similar moment, they have not won since February and have lost their last four Premier League matches. Last weekend they were beaten 2-1 at Hull City, a result that should make them seriously worry about relegation. They are six points above the danger zone at the moment, but if they continue to lose matches they could find themselves in a real mess before too long. Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna are still injured, but Michail Antonio could make his return after a spell on the sidelines.
Probable line-ups:
Arsenal: Ospina - Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Monreal - Xhaka, Coquelin - Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez - Giroud
West Ham: Randolph - Byram, Collins, Fonte, Masuaku - Noble, Kouyate - Antonio, Lanzini, Snodgrass - Carroll
My prediction: Arsenal to win 3-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Arsenal win - 1.40
Draw - 5.25
West Ham win - 8.00
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