Premier League team news and prediction: Arsenal vs West Ham
Arsenal made light work of west London side Fulham at Craven Cottage to get their campaign off to a winning start as goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw the Gunners coast to a 3-0 victory.
West Ham, though, endured a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Newcastle to ramp up the pressure on David Moyes. The Hammers booked their spot in the next round of the Carabao Cup in midweek, landing a 3-0 win over Charlton at the London Stadium, but a trip to north London will provide a much sterner test for Moyes' men.
When is kick off?
Saturday 19th September, 20:00 GMT
Where is the game?
The Emirates Stadium, London
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event
Previous Meetings
West Ham ended the Premier League campaign on an impressive four-match unbeaten run, including two draws and a win to see out 2019/20. What's more, their 2-0 loss to Newcastle last weekend was just their second loss in their last eight league outings, a commendable return for David Moyes' West Ham side.
That said, a trip to the Emirates has often been a sticking point for West Ham. Indeed, Arsenal have won 10 of their last 11 home meetings with the Hammers, and have secured victory in the last five clashes between the pair in north London. With Mikel Arteta's side gaining a head of steam as they seek to secure a Champions League finish this season, they'll fancy their chances of securing another three points in their second London derby to kick off 2020/21.
Team News
Arsenal came through their 3-0 win over Fulham relatively unscathed, though Granit Xhaka sustained an ankle injury with 10 minutes to play and will be assessed closer to kick off. Dani Ceballos, who returned to the club on loan over the summer, replaced the Swiss star and is in line to start alongside Mohamed Elneny in the middle of the park.
Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta is without centre-backs Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers, David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi, while Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe sit out this London derby. Sokratis is close to a return to fitness, but the Greek defender was unlikely to start regardless.
For West Ham, David Moyes has Manuel Lanzini back available, but Jack Wilshere is a doubt having sustained an ankle complaint in training prior to their 3-0 win over Charlton. The former Arsenal man wasn't expected to feature against his former employers, however.
Probable XIs
Arsenal (343) - Leno; Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Bellerin, Elneny, Ceballos, Maitland-Niles; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang
West Ham (4231) - Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Noble, Anderson; Haller
Key Battle - Bernd Leno vs Lukasz Fabianski
Bernd Leno can rest easy, safe in the knowledge he won't be facing any stiff competition for a starting spot from Emiliano Martinez in the Arsenal goal after the Argentine's move to Aston Villa was confirmed this week. The German made the Premier League team of the season in 2019/20 despite missing the final few weeks of the campaign and after a clean sheet at Fulham, he'll look to make it two shutouts from two at West Ham's expense.
In the West Ham goal, Lukasz Fabianski returns to his former employers. The Pole left Arsenal in 2014 and has established himself as first choice for, first off, Swansea, and now West Ham. However, he hasn't enjoyed good fortune upon his return to north London, having conceded four goals in last two league visits to Arsenal. He'll be hoping third time's the charm in Saturday's late kick off.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
