Just two points separate Arsenal and West Ham in the Premier League table as the London rivals prepare to do battle at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The Hammers are fourth – one point ahead of fifth-place Manchester United and eight points behind third-place Chelsea.
𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨: 1⃣ Stay calm2⃣ Play it forwards 3⃣ Finish in style #ARSSOU pic.twitter.com/2gKM9vZ2cC— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 12, 2021
𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨: 1⃣ Stay calm2⃣ Play it forwards 3⃣ Finish in style #ARSSOU pic.twitter.com/2gKM9vZ2cC
Meanwhile, the Gunners find themselves sixth in the standings – one point clear of seventh-place Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Arteta’s men claimed an easy 3-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday, ending a run of two consecutive defeats in the Premier League.
Arsenal have now won five of their last eight Premier League games and have lost just three of their previous 13.
The Gunners have been particularly strong on home soil this term. They head into Wednesday’s clash on a nine-match unbeaten streak at the Emirates, winning each of their past five.
It is also worth noting that Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in each of their previous four home games across all competitions.
Aaron Ramsdale has registered seven shutouts in 13 Premier League matches this season, conceding only 13 goals in the process.
On the flip side, West Ham come into this clash on the back of a goalless draw with Burnley at Turf Moor.
Despite seeing 60% of the ball and recording 16 shots on Sunday, David Moyes’ men were unable to break down the Clarets’ resolute backline.
Still, it is worth pointing out that West Ham are currently enjoying a three-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
The have also lost just two of their past 15 away gams across all competitions, so they will be confident of avoiding defeat on Wednesday.
Head-to-head: West Ham have failed to win any of their last four Premier League meetings with the Gunners, recording one draw and three losses in that time.
When you look at the bigger picture, the Hammers have only managed to win one of their previous 11 Premier League matches against Arsenal.
Team news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could return to Arsenal’s starting XI after missing the last games due to an internal disciplinary matter. Sead Kolasinac remains sidelined through injury.
West Ham currently have four injured defenders, with Ben Johnson, Kurt Zouma, Ryan Fredericks and Angelo Ogbonna all on the treatment table.
The Hammers are enjoying another stellar campaign under Moyes. However, their defensive injuries are a cause for concern.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Arsenal will keep a clean sheet on their way to beating West Ham on Wednesday.