Preview - Arsenal

The background 

West Ham United welcome Arsenal to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday for a lunchtime London derby.
 
There is plenty riding on the game, with Arsenal needing the three points to maintain their slim hopes of landing the Barclays Premier League title, while the Hammers are hoping to keep their UEFA Champions League dreams alive.
 
This is the second of a three-game stretch of home matches for the Hammers, with last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace,  the visit of the Gunners and Wednesday’s Emirates FA Cup replay against Manchester United completing a busy spell for Sleven Bilic’s men.
 
Arsenal will be kicking themselves that they have slipped eleven points behind leaders Leicester City, but they have shown signs of returning to form in recent weeks, defeating Everton and Watford in their last two outings.
 
They currently sit third behind the Foxes and north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but are reliant on slip-ups from them both if they are to close the gap.

The history

West Ham and Arsenal have met on 132 previous occasions, with the Gunners leading the head-to-head with 60 victories to West Ham’s 34.
 
The north Londoners may lead the historical stats, but it is West Ham who hold the most recent bragging rights, having won 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the season.
 
On that occasion, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate were on target to seal a memorable success and get the Hammers’ season off to the perfect start.

At the Boleyn Ground, West Ham’s last victory over Arsenal came back in November 2006, when Marlon Harewood netted the only goal of the game.

The match

Team news 

West Ham United 

Cheikhou Kouyate is available to play after his red card against Crystal Palace was overturned.
 
James Collins and Sam Byram returned to training on Friday, but this game comes too soon for them.

Arsenal 

For the Gunners, Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini could feature after overcoming thigh and hamstring injuries respectively.
 
Goalkeeper Petr Cech is expected to return to the starting line-up after returning to the bench against Watford last weekend.

Match info

• Saturday’s match referee is Craig Pawson. His only previous Hammers appointment this term was the 2-2 draw with Manchester City in January and he will be assisted by Lee Betts and Darren Cann. The fourth official is Jonathan Moss.
• It is 10 years since West Ham last enjoyed a home win over Arsenal - Arsene Wenger and Alan Pardew had a touchline bust-up after Marlon Harewood's dramatic late winner in November 2006.
• West Ham are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions.
• After losing their opening two home league games this season, the Hammers have not lost any since (W7, D6).
• West Ham have won half of their 14 league games against teams in the top half this season, the best record in the top flight.
• Dimitri Payet has been directly involved in 23 goals in all competitions this season, 13 more than any other West Ham player.
• Arsenal have won just two of their last seven away matches (D3, L2).

Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info

• Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT.
• Upton Park station will be served by the District and Hammersmith & City lines as normal this weekend – click here for the latest info.
• Supporters who use the A13 should note that journey times to the Boleyn Ground are expected to be longer due to works on the Lodge Avenue flyover near Barking.
• A cloudy, but dry day is expected on Saturday, with temperatures peaking at 10C (50F).
• If you’re not heading to the game on Saturday make sure you keep up to date on all the action with our in-depth Match Centre. We’ll have live audio commentary and text updates, along with in-running stats and photos. You can get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag #WHUARS