Since the defeat by Chelsea, Arsenal has gone on a four match unbeaten run in all competitions and scoring fourteen goals and only conceding two in those matches. Arsene Wenger’s side is growing from strength to strength with players returning from injuries to give the manager a selection headache. Both Walcott and Bendtner will be pushing for a start in this match after the fine showing at St James Park but Bendtner will probably start on the bench again with Chamakh retaining his spot as the lone striker. Lauren Koscielny will return to partner Sebastian Squillaci in the heart of the defense where the Gunners have been shaky all season and especially in the last few matches as young defender Johan Djourou started in place of the injured Vermaelen and Koscielny.
On the other hand, West Ham is still struggling to find a foothold in this season’s campaign. The Hammers just narrowly missed relegation last season but this time around looked favourites to go down with only six points from the first nine games. Supporters were chanting for Avram Grant’s head during last weekend’s home lost to Newcastle. Although they managed to beat Stoke City 3-1 to progress in the Carling Cup, the pressure of the manager is unlikely to get better unless they can managed a win at the Emirates. To make things even harder for Grant, key players Matthew Upson and Frederic Piquionne will be not available for the match.
Arsenal have not lost to West Ham in over five years and things are unlikely to be any different this time around
No comments:
Post a Comment