With the FA Cup semi-finals taking place this weekend, there is only a handful of Premier League fixtures, three of which are on Sunday. The first of those games is the meeting between Arsenal and West Ham United in a London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Any hope of finishing in the top four has long disappeared for Arsenal and the best they can hope to finish is in 5th place. Even that is looking unlikely this season and therefore, if Arsenal want European football next season, they must win the Europa League.
West Ham’s focus is to remain out of the relegation zone. They start this match in 14th place, 7 points clear of 18th place Southampton and with the Saints playing in the FA Cup this weekend, there is a possibility West Ham could extend that lead if Southampton drop points at Leicester City.
Arsenal come into this match having lost 2-1 to Newcastle United last time out and they are set for their worst finish in Premier League history. The loss at Newcastle means Arsenal have failed to win their last two games in all competitions, having been held in Russia by CSKA Moscow in the Europa League.
Much of the focus will now be on the Europa League for Arsene Wenger and the Gunners have won only three of their last six Premier League games. However, all three of those wins came in a row at the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal have won five of their last six league games on home soil, losing one to Manchester City.
The Gunners scored 3 or more goals in each of those five Premier League wins.
West Ham head to the Emirates having picked up a late point in a 1-1 home draw with relegation threatened Stoke City on Monday night. It took a late striker from substitute Andy Carroll for West Ham to get something, from what was a poor game.
However, that point means West Ham are undefeated in their last three Premier League game, winning one and drawing two. While other teams around them have been dropping points, the 5 points gained by the Hammers has been enough to ease their relegation concerns.
On their last away match in the Premier League, West Ham picked up an excellent point at Chelsea but this is their only point from their previous five away games, with the other four ending in defeat. Trends show West Ham have conceded 2 or more goals in four of their last five away matches in all competitions.
Looking ahead to the team news and Arsenal will be without Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Santi Cazorla plus Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are unlikely to be risked with the massive match against Atletico Madrid on Thursday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start the game as he is not available for the Europa League.
West Ham are still without Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid, Sam Byram and Michail Antonio who are all injured. Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are pushing for a place in the starting XI.
Arsenal will have one eye on their big Europa League tie and the Gunners may not be at full strength for this game. West Ham will be hoping to take full advantage and if Wenger does pick a weakened team, the Hammers could come away with another point from a big London rival.