Last updated on February 21, 2025
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The first of three London derbies for Arsenal.
Image credit: Futbol de Inglaterra
The Premier League title race remains open for Arsenal, who can close the gap on leaders Liverpool by overcoming London rivals West Ham at the Emirates this Saturday.
With Liverpool showing unexpected weaknesses under Arne Slot—drawing against Everton and Aston Villa—Mikel Arteta’s side sees a fresh opportunity to challenge at the top.
A win against the Hammers would bring Arsenal within five points of the leaders, with a game in hand.
Arsenal’s Strength at Home
Despite missing key players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka due to injury, Arsenal boasts an unbeaten home record this season.
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The top two are on the longest undefeated runs 💪
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 18, 2025
Only Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton, Spurs and Fulham are unbeaten in their last two or more matches! pic.twitter.com/4vtPsRn6h1
Arteta’s squad has shown resilience, with Mikel Merino stepping up as an unlikely goal hero in the recent 2-0 victory over Leicester.
West Ham, on the other hand, is struggling under Graham Potter, sitting 16th in the table with only four points from their last seven league matches.
Their defense has been shaky, conceding 11 goals in their last two encounters against Arsenal.
Key Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal is on a three-game Premier League winning streak and remains the only team unbeaten at home this season. A win against West Ham would close the gap on Liverpool to five points.
Injury Issues:
Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee surgery) is now ruled out for the season, joining Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in long-term absences.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli (both hamstring injuries) remain out but could return after the March international break.
Selection Dilemma:
Mikel Merino impressed with a late brace against Leicester, making him a potential starter.
Raheem Sterling struggled in that match, so Arteta must decide whether to keep Merino in the XI or use him as a super-sub.
Predicted Lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.
West Ham
Injury Woes:
Michail Antonio (leg), Crysencio Summerville (hamstring), Niclas Füllkrug (hamstring), Vladimir Coufal (hamstring), and Lucas Paquetá (ankle) are all sidelined.
Graham Potter is dealing with a depleted squad, especially in attack and midfield.
Possible Lineup Changes:
Potter made three halftime substitutions in the Brentford game, showing his dissatisfaction with West Ham’s first-half performance.
James Ward-Prowse could return for set-piece quality.
Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson may start, offering a new attacking threat.
Carlos Soler should remain in midfield after Paquetá’s injury.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
West Ham’s recent form suggests another tough outing for them. Arsenal, even without a natural striker, should dominate possession and create enough chances to secure the win.
West Ham’s defense has been leaky against Arsenal, conceding 11 goals in their last two meetings (6-0 and 5-2 losses).
Their only recent success at the Emirates was a shock 2-0 win last season, but their current form makes a repeat unlikely.
If they do, it would put further pressure on Liverpool before their big clash with Manchester City.
Can Arsenal take advantage of Liverpool’s slip-ups and reignite their title hopes?
