Both Arsenal and West Ham United will look to channelise their EFL Cup frustrations into 3 points when they meet this Saturday in the late kickoff. November was sour for both the teams and they will look to kick off December on a winning note.
Arsenal are of course in a better position in the league table and will be going into the match fully aware of where a win might place them as title contenders Manchester City and Chelsea face off in the early kickoff on Saturday.
While the Gunners won just two of their six games last month, West Ham failed to win any of the four, although Bilic saw his men putting a sturdy display against the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal’s right back position is under huge crisis with Mathieu Debuchy becoming the latest player to join Hector Bellerin on the sidelines for an extended period. Carl Jenkinson has been atrocious in that position lately and Wenger is likely to start with Gabriel Paulista in that position.
Arsenal’s injury list further deepened with Santiago Cazorla being ruled out for 3 months as Arsenal decided the midfielder should go under the knife. Wenger has struggled to find a workable midfield duo in the Spaniard’s absence but this may provide a chance for Granit Xhaka, who received praise from Wenger for his ability to “play between the lines”.
West Ham United
Bilic was pushed further into the existing striker crisis when Diafra Sakho left the field with a thigh injury in Sunday’s draw at Manchester United. He will be out until January. Andy Carroll is expected to return.
Both wingbacks – Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio – were taken off with injuries in the 4-1 EFL Cup loss. Andre Ayew also remains a fitness doubt after missing Wednesday’s EFL Cup exit.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham United (3-4-2-1): Randolph; Kouyaté, Reid, Ogbonna; Fernandes, Obiang, Noble, Masuaku; Lanzini, Payet; Fletcher
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Gabriel, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Ramsey; Walcott, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sanchez
Key Players
West Ham United- With most of the main players doubtful to play in the fixture, lowly West Ham United are left with two possible sharp edges up front. They are Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini. The French international has provided 6 assists this season so far and the new recruit Lanzini has already scored 3 goals this season.
Arsenal- Unlike West Ham United, Arsenal’s front three are pretty much fit and in-form in the league. Wenger opted to go all-pace up front against Bournemouth, which fared well and they are expected to do the same. Sanchez is always a threat with his indefatigable runs. Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain will give tremendous pace on the wings that can turn defence into attack in a flash.
Odds
West Ham United @ 19/5
Draw @ 3/1
Arsenal @ 3/4
