After a frustrating defeat at home to Chelsea last weekend, Arsenal managed to pick themselves up and beat Olympiakos 3-1 to sit top of Group B in the Champions League.
Now, they look ahead to Saturday’s fixture, where they travel to Upton Park in an attempt to get an important 3 points that would help them massively in the race for the title.
However, the newly promoted Hammers certainly won’t be a pushover after impressing in their first season back in the top flight. Sitting 7th in the table with 11 points, West Ham are unbeaten in their last 4 games in the league.
Having said that, if they are to get something from the game they will certainly have to improve their recent form against the Gunners with Arsenal unbeaten in their last 9 encounters.
Team News
Abou Diaby was ruled out for a minimum 3 weeks after injuring himself against Chelsea on Saturday so Francis Coquelin should keep his place in the middle of the park.
The game comes too soon for Jack Wilshere, Emmanuel Frimpong and Bacary Sagna as they lack match fitness due to recently returning from injury.
Long term absentee Tomas Rosicky is out but is looking to return at the end of the month.
Wojciech Szczesny is also unavailable but should return within 3 weeks.
On-loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll returns from injury for the Hammers, after making a brief appearance in Monday’s win at QPR.
Centre back Winston Reid should overcome his concussion for the game on Saturday, however if he fails to, expect to see James Tomkins line up next to James Collins at the back.
Matt Taylor also hopes to overcome a knock while Jack Collison is ruled out with a knee injury.
Tactics
I expect it to be a very physical game being a derby with some full-blooded challenges flying in. It will be a game where we will have to focus on nullifying their threat from wide areas and balls into the box.
I think a key battle will involve Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs who will have to stop wingers Matt Jarvis and Ricardo Vaz Te from putting balls into the box.
Another battle which will be interesting will be how our centre backs deal with Andy Carroll (if he starts). I’m praying Mertesacker recovers due to the fact I’m worried about how our current centre backs will fair given their current form.
I can’t see West Ham committing lots of bodies forward, so I think it will be a case of being patient and taking our chances when they come. They will sit back and try to hit us on the counter and rely on set pieces as their main form of attack. This is why it’s important Mertesacker plays because he takes control and has a calm, level head.
I hope to see Giroud start as I believe his movement and physical presence will be required. He played well when he came on against Olympiakos and I think this would be a perfect match for him. I’d play “the goal machine” Gervinho on the right and Podolski on the left. Their pace will be important to break down a very organised West Ham side.
Key Players
Carl Jenkinson – he’s been brilliant so far and his good form will need to continue as West Ham will look to play down the wings. On stats, Matt Jarvis is the best crosser of the ball in the league so it will be interesting to see how he deals with him.
Santi Cazorla – he’s a key player in every match for us! I was genuinely worried for little Santi for the Stoke away game but he came out of it unharmed. He’ll have to ride a few challenges in this match that’s for sure but I’m confident he’ll come out unscathed. His link up play with our forwards will be vital to us taking 3 points on Saturday.
Gervinho – described as a “goal machine” by Sky’s commentator in midweek (not sure I agree, yet), we’ll certainly be looking at him to continue his fine scoring form. 5 shots on target this season and goals speaks for itself.
Andy Carroll – if he starts, I expect him to be a big threat. If we can keep him quiet, we’re halfway to a victory. His aerial threat from set pieces and his ability to knock on could pose us some problems.
Ricardo Vaz Te – quick, good technically and not a bad finisher. He’s likely to be up against Gibbs down the wing. Has the ability to punish teams yet can be non-existent through large parts of the game.
Referee – Phil Dowd
Phil Dowd has been appointed referee for the game. Having referred 6 games this season he has already handed out 24 yellows and 1 red this season (Agger v West Brom). Usually pretty fair but he certainly doesn’t hesitate to get his cards out.
Possible line ups
Arsenal – Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Coquelin, Cazorla, Gervinho, Giroud, Podolski
West Ham - Jaaskelainen, Demel, Tomkins, Collins, O'Brien, Noble, Diame, Vaz Te, Nolan, Jarvis, Carroll
I think it will be a tough, physical game where they will be hard to break down. However, I believe our superior quality will shine through in the end. An important 3 points that I’m confident we will get.
COYG!
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