Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are in form and host an out of sorts West Ham at the Emirates on Saturday. The Gunners won the FA Community Shield against Liverpool and followed it up with a Premier League matchday 1 win versus Fulham, 3-0.
Now, Arsenal welcome West Ham in search of another three points. Arteta has changed the team and Arsenal have the potential to fight for a title, at least for part of the season.
West Ham are likely to fight relegation under David Moyes. The manager watched his side lose 2-0 to Newcastle United on opening day. In spite of tallying 15 shots and 59% possession, West Ham were unable to get goals.
Arsenal won both fixtures versus West Ham last season, outscoring their opponent 4-1. Their game at the Emirates finished in a 1-0 victory thanks to a second-half goal from Alexandre Lacazette.
The Gunners are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 games in all competitions versus West Ham. That includes five straight wins in all competitions against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.
The last time West Ham won at the Emirates was August 2015. Although the Hammers lost on matchday 1 to the Gunners, they did win in midweek versus Charlton Athletic, 3-0, in the Carabao Cup. West Ham outcasts Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson scored all three goals.
Arteta does have several players on his injury list at the Emirates. Centre-backs Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari, Sokratis, and David Luiz are all listed as injured. As it stands, only Sokratis could make the squad for the game.
Forward Gabriel Martinelli remains sidelined with injury along with Calum Chambers. Midfielder Granit Xhaka is in line to return after suffering a knock to his ankle last weekend.
The big player news at Arsenal this week was that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed a new contract to tie his future to the club. Aubameyang scored against Fulham on matchday 1 and could celebrate his new contract with a big goalscoring day on Saturday.
Moyes’ only fitness issue is that of former Arsenal player Jack Wilshere. The midfielder is now in his third season at West Ham. It has been a dreadful two-plus seasons for all involved as Wilshere looks like a shell of the player that rose to promise at Arsenal.
Arsenal have been brilliant at home against West Ham over the course of their last five meetings. The Gunners should continue their great form versus the Hammers with a win. Don’t be surprised if Aubameyang gets on the scoresheet as over 2.5 goals are scored.