Arsenal aims to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points as they prepare to host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday. The team, currently grappling with a string of injuries in their attacking line, displayed resilience in their last match, where auxiliary striker Mikel Merino scored twice to secure a narrow victory against Leicester City.
West Ham, on the other hand, has struggled to find success under new manager Graham Potter, remaining winless in league play since his first match in charge on January 14. Currently sitting in 16th place, the Hammers’ lack of cup engagements means their remaining games this season focus primarily on securing points to stave off relegation fears.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 10 a.m. ET and will be available for streaming on Peacock. The odds currently favor Arsenal at -400, while West Ham sit at +1100, suggesting a stark contrast in expectations for the matchup.
In terms of team news, Arsenal continues to contend with significant injuries, including Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been ruled out for the season following knee surgery. Other absent players include Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, while Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are also unlikely to feature until after the March international break. Ben White may return to bolster the squad. Mikel Arteta faces the dilemma of whether to use Merino, who proved effective off the bench, as a starting striker.
For West Ham, the absence of Lucas Paqueta due to an ankle injury represents another blow to a struggling attack. Other sidelined players include Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, and Crysencio Summerville, with Graham Potter’s recent loan signing Evan Ferguson still not fully ready for a full match despite good training progress.
Potter has consistently deployed a back three in away games, and it is expected he will do the same to counter Arsenal’s attack, which may struggle without key strikers.
In a cautious prediction, Arsenal is favored to edge the match with a narrow 1-0 victory against West Ham, reflecting the pressing stakes for both teams as they navigate their respective challenges this season.
In light of Arsenal’s ongoing fight for a top position and West Ham’s quest for survival, fans can anticipate a match filled with intensity and determination as both teams strive for crucial points.