Overview
Suspicions have always followed Arsenal throughout their journey in the Champions League this season. But after all, the most important thing is that Arsenal has reached the Champions League final for the first time in nearly 20 years.
The 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semi-finals, thanks to Bukayo Saka's decisive goal, not only took Mikel Arteta's team to Budapest to meet Paris Saint-Germain but also opened up the opportunity to win the first Champions League title in club history.
Amidst the Champions League dream burning, The Gunners are also very close to the Premier League title. The "Gunners" are currently 2 points ahead of Manchester City when the season has three rounds left. However, with the remaining schedule against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace, the right to self-determination is still in the hands of the North London team.
Two consecutive victories against Newcastle and Everton, along with Man City's unexpected stumble against Everton, have helped Arsenal get closer to the finish line than ever before. If they win all 9 points in the last three rounds, Arteta's team will officially be crowned champion.
Although their recent away form is not too stable, only winning one of 5 away matches, Arsenal still possesses an extremely formidable weapon. That is set pieces. The "Gunners" have scored 27 goals from dead balls in the Premier League this season - the best achievement in the league.
This is exactly what makes West Ham particularly worried. Coach Nuno Espirito Santo's team has conceded 23 goals from set pieces this season, the second most in the league, including 15 goals from corner kicks - the worst number in the Premier League.
Last weekend, West Ham continued to reveal that weakness in the 0-3 defeat to Brentford. Igor Thiago scored from the penalty spot, interspersed with Dinos Mavropanos' own goal and Mikkel Damsgaard's goal in a match where The Hammers' defense played very unstable.
That defeat became even more disastrous when Tottenham defeated Aston Villa immediately afterwards, pushing West Ham down to the relegation zone. However, the London home team still has a chance to escape danger if they create a shock against Arsenal in this round.
Personnel situation
In the pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that Arsenal will not have any new injuries, but the "Gunners" are still unable to have the services of Mikel Merino due to a leg injury and Jurrien Timber due to a groin problem.
Keeping the starting lineup in the victory against Fulham in the middle of the week has brought positive effects to Arsenal, especially in the context of the season entering the final stage. Therefore, Arteta is likely to continue to place his trust in the current squad in the away match against West Ham.
On the other side, West Ham is receiving positive signals about the force. Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that the entire squad is ready for this weekend's match, giving the London home team more options in terms of personnel.
However, the Portuguese strategist may only make a few minor adjustments in the starting lineup. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to give way to Kyle Walker-Peters, and Pablo may replace Callum Wilson in attack. Most of West Ham's main frame will still be kept to ensure stability.
Expected lineup:
West Ham: Hermansen, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville, Wilson, Castellanos.
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Saka, Eze, Trossard, Gyokeres.
The match between West Ham and Arsenal takes place at 10:30 PM on May 10th (Vietnam time).
