Arsenal will hope to continue their pursuit of Liverpool in the Premier League when they face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners are nine points behind the Premier League leaders and will need to put together a winning run if they are to have any hope of catching Arne Slot’s team.
The return of club captain Martin Odegaard has coincided with a return to form for Arsenal, and they have beaten Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP in their last two, scoring eight and conceding just one.
Tuesday’s win in Portugal was particularly impressive, the 5-1 score-line matching their best-ever away win in the Champions League.
Arteta will hope his team can build on that against a West Ham team who have experienced patchy form this season.
Julen Lopetegui’s side sit 14th in the league currently, having won just four of their opening 12 games this season.
However, a resounding victory at Newcastle on Monday night will have provided some much-needed confidence ahead of the Gunners' visit.
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Team news
Arsenal
Arteta was tight-lipped over the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes in his pre-match press conference. The Brazilian defender scored in Lisbon but was forced off late in the game with an injury concern.
Ben White will not return to action for “months” according to Arteta after the defender had knee surgery. Takehiro Tomiyasu also continues to struggle with injury, with a return date not yet clear.
Otherwise, Arteta seems to have a near-full squad to choose from. It has not been possible to say that for most of this season, but returns for Declan Rice, Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori in recent weeks have provided encouragement.
West Ham
Lopetegui is suspended for the game himself after picking up his third yellow card of the season on Monday and will be without Mohamed Kudus, who is still suspended for his red card against Tottenham.
The Spaniard confirmed in his presser that two or three players are a doubt for Arsenal’s visit, including defender Jean-Clair Todibo. The Frenchman picked up a knock against Newcastle, but West Ham will hope he can shake it off in time.
Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug continues to be unavailable as he recovers from a calf injury but the Hammers will be boosted by the return of midfielder Edson Alvarez from suspension.
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Likely line-ups
West Ham
Fabianski, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Soucek, Soler, Bowen, Summerville, Paqueta, Antonio
Arsenal
Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
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Key players
West Ham - Jarrod Bowen
From one English winger to another.
As Arsenal have learned on a few occasions, Bowen knows where the back of the net is. If given a chance, it is likely he will punish you.
He’s not just a finisher though, and can cause huge problems for Arsenal if they leave him with space to run. He is a quick, powerful dribbler and is more than confident enough to run at his man, with a good cross likely to follow.
If West Ham are to upset Arsenal, Bowen will probably be at the heart of it. His connection with the home fans is strong, and if he gives them even the slightest reason to raise the noise, they will duly oblige.
Arsenal - Bukayo Saka
This answer really contains both Saka and Odegaard. Alone, Saka is incredibly dangerous, but together, they are utterly devastating.
With the addition of Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's right-hand side once again contains fluidity, movement, precision and understanding. All of it for one main reason, to get Saka into space. As he has proven time and time again, if you give him space, he will destroy you.
The wand-like left foot, the decision-making, the ruthless counter-attacking speed and the incisive crosses. All are tools in his armoury that have become priority number one for any team attempting to stop him.
Emerson has become an increasingly reliable left-back for West Ham but he will have his work cut out for him against Saka and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to do it alone.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will take place at the London Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off will take place at 17:30 GMT on Saturday, 20 November.
Where can I watch?
Coverage for the game will be available on Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom from 17:00 GMT.
