Match preview

West Ham head into this London derby under immense pressure after their heavy 0-3 defeat to Brentford ended a four-match unbeaten streak and dragged Nuno Espírito Santo’s side back into the relegation zone. With the season entering its decisive stage, the Hammers can no longer afford costly slip-ups, as every point could be vital in the battle to stay up.

Despite their difficult league position, West Ham’s home form has been far more encouraging. Since losing to Nottingham Forest in January, they have avoided defeat in eight straight matches at the London Stadium across regular time, and home support could once again play a major role against the league leaders.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after a superb run of results. Mikel Arteta’s side booked their place in the Champions League final for the first time in two decades by eliminating Atletico Madrid, before following it up with a composed 3-0 victory over Fulham in the league. Manchester City’s recent stumble has also strengthened Arsenal’s position at the top, leaving the title race firmly in their own control.

The Gunners still have some squad concerns, with Mikel Merino unavailable and Jurriën Timber nearing a comeback but unlikely to start. Nevertheless, Arteta’s core group — featuring Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard, and Saka — continues to perform at an elite level. Arsenal’s recent record at the London Stadium is another major boost, with the North London side unbeaten there in Premier League action for nearly seven years, including dominant 5-2 and 6-0 wins in their last two visits.

Probable lineups

West Ham: Hermansen, Diouf, Mavropanos, Disasi, Walker-Peters, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Pablo, Bowen, Castellanos.

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Ødegaard, Eze, Gyökeres.

Match facts and head-to-head

Arsenal have won six of the last nine Premier League meetings between the sides.

Six of the previous nine encounters have produced over 2.5 goals.

The Gunners have not lost a league game at the London Stadium in almost seven years.

West Ham are unbeaten in nine consecutive home matches in all competitions.

Arsenal boast the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 26 goals.

Each of Arsenal’s last eight Premier League fixtures has produced a winner.

The Gunners have scored at least twice in each of their last six league visits to West Ham.

Eight of the last nine league clashes at the London Stadium have featured no more than 10 corners.

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