Arsenal at West Ham Premier League preview: Seize the moment

Know the Enemy

West Ham enter Sunday’s match in 18th place in the table with 36 points from a record of 9W/9D/17L. After teetering on the brink for the majority of the season, West Ham’s Premier League fate is in the balance as the final three matches approach. Sunday is likely a do-or-die London derby for the Hammers. Sitting one point behind Tottenham in the final relegation spot, a loss on Sunday could potentially give Spurs the daylight necessary to narrowly avoid a calamitous drop. But if the Hammers have shown anything in recent weeks, it’s that they aren’t going to go down quietly. In their last five matches, the Hammers have earned the same number of points (7) as the Gunners, with wins over Everton and Wolves at the London Stadium. Though they sit in the bottom three, they have managed to put up a respectable fight when playing host, having not lost on their home strip since the beginning of January. In seven home matches since, they have conceded only 4 goals, making it a tough day out for the opposition. That resolute play at home has led to some impressive results, including a 0-0 draw against an ascendant Bournemouth, a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, and an immense 1-1 draw against Manchester City in March. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo deserves credit with his knack for getting results with less talented sides. If anyone can orchestrate a relegation escape, it’s him. Considering their spot in the table and the dwindling time left in the season, the Hammers will likely be forced to play aggressively in hopes of landing an early goal. Top scorer Jarrod Bowen has been one of the league’s most underrated attackers for several seasons, and is no stranger to causing the Gunners’ pain. In the four matches he has scored in against Arsenal, West Ham have lost only once. If West Ham want to cause Arsenal trouble, it’s in the air and on set pieces. 35% of West Ham’s goals have come from set pieces, and their 10 headed goals are good enough for joint third-most in the league. They are also quite effective in transition, with the 4th most fast break goals in the league. Catching the Gunners’ on their heels will certainly be a primary emphasis.

Injuries & Suspensions

The Gunners got a boost on Tuesday when Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard both came back into the side following minor knocks. Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain out, though Merino has returned to individual training on grass. OUT: Mikel Merino (foot), Jurrien Timber (groin) DOUBT: N/A

Predicted Lineup

Attack: Trossard, Gyökeres, Saka Arsenal’s attack may not have found as much success against Atleti as they did against Fulham, but they once again looked more fluid and threatening. A lot of that can be chalked up to the Bukayo Saka factor. After being sidelined for over a month, his return has proved to be the shot in the arm the attack needed. He followed up his excellent performance against Fulham with another against Atleti, scoring the goal to put the Gunners into the CL finals. Opposite him, Leandro Trossard has looked like his old self. His control on the left was immense, and it was his shot that ultimately found the feet of Saka after forcing Oblak into a tricky low save. I know that Eze had begun to make some noise off the left, but Trossard’s form has been quite good in the past two matches. It will be hard to displace him at this stage. Though he didn’t find the score sheet, Viktor Gyökeres was spectacular on Tuesday. His hold-up play has grown by leaps and bounds and he was a bit unlucky not to slot home from a Hincapie cross. He ran himself ragged all match and looks to be in a great space, mentally and physically. Midfield: MLS, Rice, Eze If the offense was good, the midfield was even better. Declan Rice’s MOTM award was a deserved accolade for yet another lung-busting, match-defining performance. He was everywhere on the pitch and exuded a calm, resolute dominance. Returning to face his former club, he is sure to not let sentimentality cloud the task at hand. Myles Lewis-Skelly has burst back onto the scene at the perfect time. When Arteta started him against Fulham, he rewarded the gaffer with a confident, assured display. When he was given the nod again against Atleti, he produced another outstanding showing in the biggest match of the season. Martin Zubimendi has logged an insane number of minutes this season, and having him come off the bench for Myles seems to be the way forward. The big toss-up is on the right of the midfield. Eberechi Eze has gotten the brunt of the minutes in Martin Ødegaard’s multiple absences, starting on Tuesday before the captain came on in the second half. While Eze’s performance wasn’t terribly impacting, Ødegaard has only just returned from another injury. I think it’s a safe bet that Eze gets the start to let Martin regain his sharpness and fitness. Defense: Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, White It’s become hard to find new superlatives for this defense. Up against a rested and motivated Atleti side, the back line managed to keep their attack at bay to see the Gunners through to the final with a physical, gritty display. On the left, Riccardo Calafiori got the start again. He was not as sharp while tracking back, but he also just returned to the lineup last weekend. I can see a scenario where Piero Hincapie starts, especially considering that West Ham will need to get a result and be on the front foot. But for now, I’m sticking with the side that saw off Fulham and Atletico Madrid in a 4 day span. On the right, Ben White had his best display of the season by a mile, putting in a vintage performance. He was sharp, confident, and unfazed by the stakes. His relationship with Saka ahead of him cannot be overstated, too. When they play together, they make the right side a major threat. Arsenal’s all-world CB duo of Gabriel and William Saliba were tested to their limits but refused to break against Atleti. A few nervy moments were nullified by the duo, and they left nothing to chance with their efforts. Keeper: Raya David Raya was at his typical high level on Tuesday. Thanks to the defense, he was hardly bothered by any threatening moments. Momentum is a hell of a thing. Three weeks ago, it felt like Arsenal’s luck had run out when they lost at the Etihad in a potentially title-deciding match. Watching the on-field celebrations on Tuesday night, though, and you wouldn’t have known it. Their quality has shone through, the gaffer’s bold personnel decisions have paid off, and now the tide has seemingly turned, with Arsenal riding a wave of tremendous momentum. If they can wrangle it for just a few more matches, they just might see it through to glory. **WHO:** Arsenal at West Ham United **WHAT:** Premier League match day 36 **WHEN:** Sunday, May 10th, 11:30am EST/8:30am PST/4:30pm GMT **WHERE:** London Stadium, London **HOW TO WATCH:** Broadcast live on the USA Network For all your international streaming needs, check LiveSoccerTV.com. **Please do not share or discuss links to illegal streams here**.