Arsenal Vs. West Ham

Stadium: Emirates

Kick-Off: 19:45

Coverage: N/A

Previous Result at Home: Arsenal 1 West Ham (30/10/2010)

Tomorrow night sees Arsenal take on West Ham United.

This fixture was expected to be played on Boxing Day but was postponed due to a tube strike.

Having lost back-to-back games to second place Man City and third place Chelsea, Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways when they take on 12th place West Ham.

However the Gunners have a few injury concerns for tomorrow evenings game, particularly in midfield.

Mikel Arteta is still a couple week away from returning (calf). Arteta has been missed in recent games and it’s shown. The sooner the Spaniard returns, the better.

Francis Coquelin is ruled out for two to three weeks with a hamstring injury, which he picked up against Chelsea on Sunday.

And finally Abou Diaby will face a late fitness test. The Frenchman picked up a knock on Sunday, also against Chelsea.

My Arsenal XI Vs West Ham United

Szczesny

Sagna Mertesacker Vermaelen Gibbs

Diaby Ramsey

Walcott Wilshere Cazorla

Giroud

Arsene Wenger came out today and admitted he’s concerned to why his players have been inconsistent in recent weeks.

For me, some players have stepped up and taken responsibility, notably Jack Wilshere. If all the players played with the same determination and passion as the ‘future captain’ does, we wouldn’t be struggling.

Current captain Thomas Vermaelen has impressed me of late. The Belgium international has improved and it looks like he’s starting to show the qualities that are required to be captain.

As for the game, I expect Arsenal to see this game out comfortably.

Reports are Wenger held ‘crisis talks’ with the players earlier this week. I hope so. The team needs to be reminded what’s at stake, especially with Tottenham seven points clear of us in fourth.

I don’t expect Arsene Wenger to make many changes to the line-up. I do see Ramsey coming in for the injured Coquelin.

My Prediction: Arsenal 3 West Ham 1