West Ham welcome Arsenal to the London Stadium in what promises to be a thrilling London derby.
West Ham host the Gunners after a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Newcastle. Goals from Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka secured their first victory since their 2-1 triumph over Manchester United at the end of October. Lopetegui hasn’t had the best start to the campaign but will look to build momentum with a second successive victory against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Arsenal’s quest to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table has seen them record two emphatic victories: a 3-0 home win over Nottingham Forest in the previous matchweek and a 5-1 triumph away against Sporting CP in the Champions League. . With little room for error, navigating tricky fixtures will be crucial for the Gunners in the title race.
The reverse fixture from last season saw Arsenal decimate the Hammers at the London Stadium with a dominant 6-0 victory. Even though it was David Moyes in charge of West Ham at the time, can Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal replicate that success, or will Lopetegui’s side spring a surprise this time around?
West Ham vs Arsenal – Match Details
Date: November 30, 2024, Saturday.
Time: 5:30 p.m. BST
Location: London Stadium.
West Ham vs Arsenal – Match Officials
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
Fourth official: Bobby Madley
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Assistant VAR: Mark Scholes
West Ham vs Arsenal – Team News
Embed from Getty Images
Manager Julen Lopetegui will serve a sideline suspension for the visit of Arsenal after receiving his third yellow card of the season.
Mohammed Kudus is suspended following his outburst on the pitch at Tottenham last month. Nicolas Fullkrug will miss the match due to injury. Todibo picked up a knock against Newcastle in the previous matchweek and is doubtful for the match
On the other hand for Arsenal, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the match after treating their respective injuries. Gabriel is a doubt after picking up a knock against Sporting CP in midweek and could be rested ahead of Arsenal’s next game against Manchester United.
West Ham vs Arsenal – Preview
Embed from Getty Images
The Hammers would have the added confidence to host the Gunners after a resounding victory against Newcastle United. Playing at home, they will aim to capitalize on their momentum and secure another three vital points to move further away from the relegation zone. A key victory under their belt now sees them in 14th place, with the Hammers 6 points clear of 15th place Ipswich Town.
West Ham’s season has been disappointing given the talent level in their squad – struggling for wins and struggling for goals. Failed to rack up back-to-back league wins and that shows how inconsistent they have been.
Lopetgui’s team relies heavily on his physical play and winning midfield battles – it will be vital to dominate Arsenal on these fronts in order to aim for a favorable result. the dependence on key players to shine has also been a factor they have relied on – players like Bowen, Soucek and Kudus (missing the match) have been their reliable routes to goal.
Arsenal, on the other hand, pose a significant threat through set pieces and are their main variable in finding the back of the net. Back post headers from Gabriel and Saliba particularly prove to make the difference – as was the case in the reverse match last season at the London Stadium.
Arsenal’s approach since Odegaard’s reintroduction has been exactly as expected: lots of creativity and a final product still being finalized. The expected routes to goal would rely on the RHS combination of Odegaard and Saka, while Timber’s clever movements on/off the ball could help deflect West Ham’s defense. Overloads on the RHS while stacking crosses after having a few box crashers in the box.
After struggling to pick up wins early in the season, Arsenal should go full throttle and make this a high-scoring encounter.
West Ham vs Arsenal – Key Players
Riccardo Calafiori
Embed from Getty Images
Arsenal’s summer signing has dealt with injuries since signing, but has adapted superbly to Arsenal’s culture and dynamics under Arteta. His transparent and pragmatic approach helps Arsenal both defensively and offensively. One time you’ll see him on the big channels, but the other time you’ll see him bursting into central areas, distributing passes to the front line and helping to unblock Arsenal’s LHS.
Facing an experienced English threat in Jarod Bowen, Calafiori could have heavy defensive duties in transition, but should still venture forward whenever necessary.
Jarrod Bowen
Embed from Getty Images
The England winger remains West Ham’s most reliable striker, despite scoring just three goals this season. His pace, dribbling and precision in the final third will pose a constant threat to the Arsenal backline. Bowen’s pressing ability and creativity will test Calafiori and Arsenal’s defensive organization in transition.
West Ham vs Arsenal – Predicted Lineups
West Ham predicted the line-up against Arsenal: Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek, Rodriguez; Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville; Anthony.
Arsenal predicted line-up against West Ham: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.