Arsenal will hope to get back into the top four when they take on West Ham United at Upton Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners were made to sweat it out against QPR in their 2-1 win on Boxing Day. The North London club were in full control of the game until a moment of madness from Giroud seemed to jeopadise the result, however they managed to hold on for a win.
The result meant that we are now just one point behind West Ham and two off Southampton, who will face League leaders Chelsea. If we can get a favourable result against the Hammers then in all possibility we will be in the top four by the end of the week.
West Ham are in great form this season particularly at home as they have won six and lost none of their last seven League games at the Boleyn Ground and conceded just three goals, keeping four clean sheets in that run.
However Arsenal have lost none of the last 12 games against the Hammers, winning the last seven. It will definitely be a tough game but if we can stay solid at the back then we should have enough in attack to beat them.
My prediction would be 2-1 in favour of Arsenal
TEAM NEWS
Koscielny will have a late fitness test which he is expected to pass and is likely to start along side Mertesacker at the back. It will be a big boost to have the Frenchman back and his return will help in nullifying the impact of Carroll. Debuchy will continue at right back with Gibbs on the left.
Arteta and Ramsey are still out of action, so Flamini will take the task of screening the defence. Rosicky is likely to get his second start in a row accompanying Cazorla at the center of midfield. Chamberlain was rested against QPR but he might make it to the bench this time around.
Walcott has been an unused substitute in the past 2 games, so it’s just about time that we might see him back on the pitch. Sanchez will start on left wing and with Giroud banned for 3 games, Welbeck will shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack, however both of them are likely to rotate between their positions throughout the game.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
http://www.footyformation.com/team/view/slug/j9j
Can Arsenal beat West Ham?
