Arsenal host West Ham tonight in an intriguing London derby fixture.
A goalless draw at Burnley last time out cut the Hammers’ advantage in the Champions League battle, with just a point over Manchester United and two over Arsenal going into this midweek round. Tottenham, with two games in hand, sit three behind.
Therefore the clash at Emirates Stadium is a huge opportunity for both sides to stake their claim for fourth and send a message to their rivals.
Arsenal - who have stripped striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the club captaincy following his latest disciplinary breach - have not particularly enjoyed these kind of games this season, losing to Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City - whereas the Hammers’ strong start has essentially been built on major scalps.
But West Ham will have to improve their record against the Gunners to secure a result, having thrown away a three-goal lead in their memorable meeting last season.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Arsenal vs West Ham is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off tonight - Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
Emirates Stadium in London will host the match.
Where to watch Arsenal vs West Ham
TV channel: Tonight’s match will be televised live on BT Sport 1 and Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will also be able to watch the match online via the website or BT Sport app.
Arsenal vs West Ham team news
Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Martinelli, Odegaard, Saka; Lacazette.
Subs: Okonkwo, Holding, Tavares, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Lokonga, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Nketiah.
West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Masuaku; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Lanzini, Fornals; Antonio.
Subs: Areola, Alese, Ashby, Kral, Noble, Okoflex, Vlasic, Yarmolenko, Benrahma.
Arsenal vs West Ham prediction
West Ham have performed best when under the most pressure - which is the opposite of how Arsenal have fared. Still, these two sides could well cancel each other out at the Emirates.
A 1-1 draw.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The Hammers have won just two of their previous 28 meetings.
Arsenal wins: 69
Draws: 40
West Ham wins: 35
