West Ham away

A revenge mission? A homecoming for Declan Rice? However it is packaged, this is a must win for Arsenal following our 3-1 destruction of top of the table Liverpool last week.

In the reverse fixture we could and should have won by a few goals, and managed to lose 2-0. Despite having Jesus, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard and Odegaard starting we could not finish any of the 30 chances we created and our xG of 2.87 highlights how bad our finishing was that day.

Arteta's presser was not very enlightening over the fitness of Jesus nor Zinchenko, but Saka has been cleared to play. The return of Tomiyasu could be well timed if Zinchenko is out, although Kiwior may retain his place after doing well in the second half last week.
The midfield and attack could be dependent on Jesus' fitness. Rice, Odegaard and Saka will surely play so it becomes a decision on Jorginho and Havertz in midfield if Jesus is up front. If Jesus is not fit then I would expect the same as last week. Martinelli should start, although Trossard is an option.


West Ham have Lucas Paqueta out, but 'keeper Areola should be fit. Antonio is not expected to return yet so West Ham are likely to go with Bowen up front with Kudus, Soucek, Ward-Prowse and Alvarez supporting from midfield. Last time out, a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, full back Ben Johnson played in attack, but Kalvin Phillips could come back into the XI.

West Ham haven't won a game in any competition since they beat us, losing to Bristol City in a replayed cup tie and Manchester United last week. They drew with Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Brighton.

West Ham are 8th with 36 points and a goal difference of 0 as they chase another season in Europe.

Bowen is their league top scorer with 11, Kudus has 6 and Ward-Prowse and Soucek both have 5.