Overview
An impressive 2-0 victory at Newcastle in round 12 of the Premier League helped West Ham close in on the mid-table group. This was also the second victory in the last 4 matches of The Hammers, a positive achievement after a difficult start.
Meanwhile, the return of captain Martin Odegaard has ended Arsenal's disappointing run. In the last 3 matches with the Norwegian midfielder, Arsenal have won 2 and drawn 1.
In midweek, The Gunners won an impressive 5-1 away win against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Remember, not long ago, Man City was defeated at this same stadium.
Returning to the Premier League, the Gunners hope to extend their winning streak to 3. In the most recent confrontation at London Stadium in February 2024, Arsenal defeated the home team 6-0. Bukayo Saka scored a brace in that match and has also been in excellent form recently.
The biggest problem for Arsenal will be the fitness of the players, as they still have to stretch themselves for many competitions this season.
However, with the December schedule being somewhat easier and confidence gradually returning, Arsenal can completely apply reasonable tactics to overcome West Ham. They need to win to continue to nurture hopes of competing for the championship.
Human resources situation
West Ham's injury problems are being sorted out, with only Niclas Fullkrug still not fit enough to return, while winger Mohamed Kudus is serving the final game of his suspension.
Arsenal are also worried about Gabriel's fitness after he was substituted in the win over Sporting, while defenders Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney remain sidelined.
Expected lineup:
West Ham: Fabianski, Mavropanos, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka, Emerson, Soler, Summerville, Paqueta, Bowen, Soucek, Antonio.
Arsenal: Raya, Saliba, Kiwior, Timber, Calafiori, Partey, Odegaard, Rice, Saka, Trossard, Havertz.
The match between West Ham and Arsenal takes place at 0:30 am on December 1 (Vietnam time).
