West Ham vs Arsenal: Preview, Team News, Possible Lineups and Score Prediction

A crucial Premier League derby is set for Sunday at the London Stadium as West Ham United host an Arsenal side fresh from securing a place in the Champions League final.

The Hammers' survival hopes are no longer in their own hands following a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend. In stark contrast, the Gunners are still chasing a potential Premier League and Champions League double.

Critics may have downplayed their European run, but Arsenal silenced the doubters by reaching the Champions League final. A 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in their semi-final second leg, courtesy of a decisive goal from Bukayo Saka, ended the club's two-decade wait for an appearance in Europe's showpiece event. Now, a formidable Paris Saint-Germain stands between them and a first-ever top-tier European trophy.

While European glory beckons, Mikel Arteta's men are also on the verge of domestic success. With a two-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, the title is within their grasp. Although City have a game in hand, victories in their final three matches against West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace would guarantee Arsenal the championship.

Recent away form has been a slight concern, with just one win in their last five matches on the road. However, Arsenal's prowess from set-pieces could be the key. They have scored a league-leading 27 goals from dead-ball situations, a worrying statistic for a West Ham side known for its defensive frailties in this area.

The Irons have conceded 23 goals from set-pieces this season, second only to Bournemouth, and have let in a league-high 15 from corners alone. This weakness was exposed again last weekend when an Igor Thiago penalty contributed to a derby drubbing by Brentford, which also saw a Dinos Mavropanos own goal and a Mikkel Damsgaard strike.

That result ended West Ham's three-game unbeaten streak and, combined with Tottenham's win at Aston Villa, plunged Nuno Espirito Santo's team into the relegation zone. With Spurs not playing until Monday, a shock victory over Arsenal would lift the Hammers out of the bottom three.

West Ham's home form offers a glimmer of hope; they are one of only three Premier League teams unbeaten in their last six home games. However, history in this fixture is not on their side, having conceded a staggering 11 goals in their last two home encounters with Arsenal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed no new injury worries ahead of the clash. The Gunners will remain without Mikel Merino (foot) and Jurrien Timber (groin) for the foreseeable future. After a successful midweek outing, Arteta may opt to field the same starting eleven that defeated Atletico Madrid.

The in-form Viktor Gyokeres will likely lead the line, having scored nine goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances. In midfield, the resurgent Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to keep his place ahead of Martin Zubimendi.

In contrast to their opponents, West Ham boast a fully fit squad. Nuno Espirito Santo may consider changes, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Callum Wilson pushing for starts. Despite a goal drought spanning 11 league games, captain Jarrod Bowen remains a creative force, providing eight assists in that period and seven in his last six league matches at home.

West Ham United: Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville; Wilson, Castellanos

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres

With Arsenal's title ambitions on the line and West Ham's glaring weakness from set-pieces, the visitors are strong favourites. Expect the Gunners to control the game and secure a vital three points in their championship quest.