London Derby Showdown: Arsenal Target West Ham Win to Keep Title Hopes Alive — Match Preview

The Premier League title race just got a whole lot more interesting. With Liverpool showing signs of vulnerability, Arsenal are poised to capitalize and close the gap to just five points. But first, they must take care of business against London rivals West Ham United at the Emirates on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta's side are riding high on a three-game winning streak, their latest victory coming against Leicester City courtesy of a stunning late brace from stand-in striker Mikel Merino. The Gunners' attacking struggles appear to have eased—for now.
 

West Ham's Struggles

Meanwhile, West Ham are finding life tough under new manager Graham Potter. A dismal 1-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend has left them 16th in the table, just 10 points above the relegation zone. Their recent record against Arsenal makes for grim reading—11 goals conceded in their last two meetings. Can they defy the odds and spring a surprise at the Emirates?
 

Injury Concerns

Arsenal will be without Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz for the rest of the season. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are also sidelined with hamstring injuries but are expected to return after the March international break.

West Ham, on the other hand, are missing Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Füllkrug, Vladimir Coufal, and Lucas Paquetá due to various injuries.
 

Tactical Decisions

Arteta faces a key decision: stick with Merino up front after his heroics against Leicester, or turn to Raheem Sterling? For Potter, set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse and Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson could be crucial in adding firepower to a struggling attack.
 

The Verdict

Arsenal's unbeaten home record this season faces a test against a West Ham side desperate for a turnaround. The Gunners' title ambitions remain alive, and a win on Saturday would be a significant boost. Will their attacking quality prove too much for the Hammers, or can West Ham produce a shock result? One thing is certain—this London derby promises fireworks.