Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday with momentum soaring as they travel to the London Stadium for a crucial derby clash against struggling West Ham United.
The Gunners head into the contest after making history in midweek by reaching the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in club history. Bukayo Saka’s decisive strike secured a 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 2-1 aggregate triumph and ending Arsenal’s two-decade wait for another Champions League final appearance.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now dreaming of an extraordinary league and European double. Arsenal currently lead Manchester City by five points at the top of the Premier League table, although City still have a game in hand. Victories against Newcastle United and Everton, combined with City’s recent slip-up against Everton, have placed the title firmly within Arsenal’s grasp heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Ahead of the derby, Arsenal’s official X account shared nostalgic highlights of memorable victories at West Ham, generating excitement among supporters eager to see another dominant display. Arsenal’s impressive threat from set pieces could prove decisive once again against a West Ham side that has struggled badly defending dead-ball situations this season.
Watch the video below:
The Hammers, however, are fighting to avoid relegation after suffering a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now sit below the relegation line with their survival hopes slipping away.
While West Ham are expected to battle fiercely in front of their home supporters, Arsenal’s confidence, quality, and motivation make them overwhelming favourites heading into the London derby.
Team News
Arsenal remain without Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber through injury, but Mikel Arteta reported no fresh concerns ahead of the derby.
The Gunners are expected to keep faith with the side that defeated Atlético Madrid in midweek.
Viktor Gyokeres enters the match in excellent form with nine goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to continue in midfield.
West Ham have a fully fit squad available. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Callum Wilson are both pushing for recalls to the starting lineup, while captain Jarrod Bowen continues to provide creativity despite his recent goal drought.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
West Ham possible starting lineup:
Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville; Wilson, Castellanos
How to watch
| Channel | Region | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Sports Main Event | United Kingdom | 16:30 BST |
| SuperSport Premier League | Nigeria Africa | 16:30 WAT |
| Peacock Premium | USA | 11:30 ET |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts the Gunners to secure a convincing 3-0 away victory.
Arsenal’s confidence following their Champions League success and strong title momentum should prove too much for struggling West Ham.
