West Ham United are set to welcome Arsenal to the London Stadium in the Premier League this weekend.
The Premier League clash is a vital one for both Julen Lopetegui and Mikel Arteta, and West Ham have already been dealt a blow with the news that Jean-Clair Todibo could miss the Arsenal game.
Lopetegui was facing the sack before Monday night’s win over Newcastle, but the brilliant performance and result at St James’ Park has definitely bought the Hammers head coach some time.
A strong performance and three points at the London Stadium against Arsenal really would shift the mood of the fans.
However, we all know just how difficult Arteta’s side will be to beat.
Despite their slow start to the 2024/25 season, they seem to have rediscovered their best form now.
Mikel Arteta the Arsenal Manager and Sevilla Manager Julen Lopetegui exchange Jose Antonio Reyes shirts before the Emirates Cup match between Arsen...
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
It should be a cracking game of football in East London this weekend, whatever happens.
And it seems like the north London outfit have a few injuries problems on their hands heading into the London derby.
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The outcome of this weekend’s game will be pivotal to our hopes of enjoying a successful campaign.
Was the performance at Newcastle a sign of things to come? Or was it merely a false dawn?
The Hammers players will have to show real courage when coming up against Arsenal’s well-drilled and organised high press.
We definitely have the weapons to hurt Arsenal, it just depends on whether our key players turn up.
One thing in our favour could be somewhat of a defensive injury crisis for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and...
Photo by David Ramos – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
According to Premier Injuries, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will definitely miss the Hammers clash, whilst Gabriel Magalhaes is a big doubt and has just a 25% chance of taking part.
And here’s the kicker – all three potential absentees are defenders.
Having those three out injured will obviously be problematic for Arsenal, and the West Ham players will be licking their lips, especially if Gabriel is unfit to play.
At the end of the day, a point against a resurgent Arsenal would represent a very good result for West Ham.
They blew us away at the London Stadium last season, winning 6-0.
I can’t see it being that one-sided this season, especially if their rock at the back Gabriel is unfit to play.
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