There is the London Derby to be enjoyed on Saturday evening in the Premier League as Arsenal play West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The Gunners got the road to success again after the November break, with the return of Martin Odegaard improving in Mikel Arteta’s squad. The captain made a big impact as Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 last weekend and Sporting CP, who were beaten 5-1 on Tuesday night, Sporting CP, Europe’s best-performing teams, were unbeaten at home in 18 months.
The league hopeful aims to narrow the gap between league leaders Liverpool to six points before the Reds face Manchester City on Sunday.
West Ham brought a few problems for Arteta’s side last year, but the Gunners made it more than two defeats in 2023 after beating Irons 6-0 in February. The Hammers entered Saturday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Monday night, but their form at the start of Julen Lopetegui’s reign was off to a good start. They are 14th in the standings after 12 games.
Arsenal news
The visitors have no concerns about their midweek clash in Lisbon and Arteta could name a squad that has not changed for Saturday’s game.
Mikel Merino will be hoping to return to the XI having made his last Premier League start, while Jorginho started ahead of Thomas Partey in a 3-0 win over Forest. Partey will likely retain his position as a base midfielder given his impressive performances. Declan Rice, however, is uncertain about his place in the XI for his return to London Stadium.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are the only injured missing.
arsenal front line
arsenal vs West Ham Front Row (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Forecast: West Ham 0-3 Arsenal