The background
The wait is almost over. The new Barclays Premier League season gets underway for West Ham United on Sunday when they travel to London rivals Arsenal for a lunchtime kick-off.
Slaven Bilic’s first league game in charge of the Hammers could hardly have been tougher, as last season’s FA Cup winners look to get their own season off to a good start at the Emirates Stadum.
The Gunners came third in the league last season, earning them direct entry to the UEFA Champions League group stages, and they have already won silverware this term, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in last Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley.
West Ham, in their third season back in the top flight, came 12th last term and have added several players to their squad as they aim to take a step forward in their final Boleyn Ground season.
The Hammers will go into Sunday’s game as outsiders, but they will hope to upset the odds with Arsenal possessing a mixed opening day record in recent years.
The history
Sunday’s game is the 132nd meeting between Arsenal and West Ham, with the Gunners having history on their side. They have won 60 of those games, with the Hammers triumphing on 33 occasions~
In recent times, West Ham have struggled against the north Londoners, not tasting victory against them in 15 attempts. The last success came back in April 2007 when Bobby Zamora’s goal meant West Ham became the first team to win at Emirates Stadium.
Last season the Gunners won 3-0 in north London, with goals in the final ten minutes from Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini sealing victory after Olivier Giroud struck on the stroke of half time
At the Boleyn Ground, Cheikhou Kouyate scored for West Ham, but Santi Cazorla and Danny Welbeck secured a 2-1 win for Wenger’s side.
Match info
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers could hand Premier League debuts to the likes of Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.Fellow summer arrival Pedro Obiang could also be involved after returning to training this week, while Winston Reid will also hope to be available after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season.
Enner Valencia (lower leg) and Andy Carroll (knee) are definitely out, while Carl Jenkinson is ineligible against his parent club.
Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez will not be considered for selection after returning late from Chile’s successful Copa America campaign this summer.Jack WIlshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck are all ruled out with injury, but Petr Cech should make his Premier League debut for his new club after making the move from Chelsea.
Match facts
- Arsenal have won their last ten league and cup meetings with the Hammers.
- West Ham did the double over Arsenal in the 2006/07 season, but have since found success against the Gunners had to come by, drawing two and winning none of the next 15 clashes
- Arsenal have won only one of their last five opening day Premier League fixtures.
- Summer signing Dimitri Payet made 135 chances for Marseille last season – the highest figure in the top five European leagues.
Betting
Our principal sponsors Betway make us 8/1 shots to win at Arsenal on Sunday. Check out their full betting preview here.Coverage, tickets, travel and weather info
- The match is live on Sky Sports in the UK, while we will be on hand at Emirates Stadium with live updates and audio commentary on whufc.com and exclusive behind the scenes content on our social media channels.
- Tickets for this game have SOLD OUT.
- Supporters planning on using the Victoria line to reach Emirates Stadium should note that it will be closed between Walthamstow Central and Seven Sisters. London Overground services will not be running between Stratford and Hackney Wick, and supporters travelling from east London are advised to use the Hammersmith & City line to King’s Cross, changing to use National Rail services to Finsbury Park. Click here for detailed travel advice.
- Sunday is set to be a fine summer’s day, with temperatures reaching 25C (75F) and sunny intervals predicted at kick-off.