West Ham United will face Arsenal in a London derby this Sunday, as the two capital teams have different goals for the rest of the season in the Premier League. David Moyes’ team are coming off a 1-1 draw with Gent in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final, while Arsenal let a two-goal lead go at Anfield last weekend.
West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola had to fend off a whole series of Ghent attacks in the quarterfinal of the European third division match at the Ghelamco Arena, and Moyes could count himself lucky that the “Hammers” still managed to decide the match in their favour.
Following Nayef Aguerd’s overturned scruffy goal, Danny Ings put West Ham ahead in continental play, but Hugo Cuypers quickly levelled for Gent, who may count themselves unlucky not to be bringing a slim cushion to the English capital.
Conference League commitments, though, take a back seat for a few days as Moyes’ men attempt to maintain their capital domination following a rough 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend, which keeps them above the dashed lines in 14th position for the time being.
Arsenal were on the verge of breaking the Premier League curse at Anfield that has lasted since 2012. Thank you to the performances of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta’s team was able to silence the crowd last Sunday.
Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table would shrink to three points if Manchester City, who have a game in hand, beat Leicester City on Saturday, and the Gunners can afford nothing less than a top spot ahead of their summer trip to the Etihad Stadium later this month.
West Ham grabbed the lead at the Emirates on Christmas Day, but Arsenal came from behind to win 3-1, their sixth victory in seven meetings against the Hammers since a Declan Rice-inflicted loss at the London Stadium in January 2019.
Team News- West Ham
Only Gianluca Scamacca (knee) is poised to miss West Ham’s visit to Arsenal as the Hammers assess whether the malfunctioning striker needs surgery.
Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table would shrink to three points if Manchester City, which has played one game less, beats Leicester City on Saturday, and the Gunners can afford nothing less than a top spot ahead of their summer trip to the Etihad Stadium later this month.
Moyes’ fresh-legged substitutes include Tomas Soucek, Kurt Zouma, Michail Antonio, and Lucas Paqueta, who missed last weekend’s triumph at Craven Cottage owing to an injury, while Declan Rice will lead the hosts against his admirers.
Team News- Arsenal
Arsenal continue to be concerned about the condition of William Saliba, who has yet to return to training following a back injury and will not be tried needlessly with the trip to the Etihad in sight.
As a result, Rob Holding, who scored his first and sole Premier League goal at the London Stadium last season, could return to the starting lineup, as Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny continue to heal from knee operations.
On a lighter note, Eddie Nketiah has returned to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury and might make his return on Sunday, although his clever move and finish against West Ham on Christmas Day will not be enough to earn him a recall.
Predictions-
West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal
Date- 16th April, 2023
Time- 1pm GMT
Venue- London Stadium
