Arsenal vs West Ham: Pre-match report
Unai Emery has begun his Arsenal tenure with two successive defeats. He must bounce back, tonight, if he does not want to face the wrath of the fans. Arsenal will host West Ham in their third EPL game of the season. Today's tie is also crucial for West Ham as they have also lost two matches on the trot. Here's our pre-match report.
Some interesting facts before the match
If Arsenal fail tonight, they would lose the opening three league matches for the first time since 1954-55. Pellegrini, the West Ham manager, has won just one of his eleven matches against Arsenal across all competitions. Ozil has been involved in five goals in his last four EPL appearances against West Ham. Arsenal have lost one of their last 22 matches against West Ham.
Team news from the Arsenal's camp
Unai Emery has shown his preference to rotate players and use the bench, something we will most likely see tonight. Emery might want to prioritize speed to keep control of the pace and possession during the match. However, Arsenal have a number of fitness worries ahead of the encounter. Kolasinac (knee), Maitland-Niles (left fibula), Koscielny (Achilles tendon) will not be available for the match.
How are the Hammers looking before the match?
West Ham spent around £100 million to buy new players and will be desperate to see results, which justify the costs. The manager said, in a press conference, that even while he was managing City, he had performed poorly in his first three matches, but that will not matter. The Hammers would have to do without Carroll (ankle), Lanzini (knee), and Reid (knee).
We should all pay attention to Matteo Guendouzi
Arsenal's midfield boy-wonder Matteo Guendouzi has stood out in his appearances against Chelsea and Manchester City. Guendouzi has made a combined 17 tackles and interceptions in the opening two matchdays of this season; four more than any other player.
Probable starting line-ups and TV listing
Arsenal XI: Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal, Guendouzi, Torreira, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Iwobi, Aubameyang. West Ham XI: Fabianski, Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Balbuena, Cresswell, Obiang, Wilshere, Snodgrass, Anderson, Yarmolenko, Arnautovic. The match is scheduled at 7:30 PM and can be seen live on Star Sports Select, Star Sports Select HD and Hotstar.
Will Jack Wilshere be able to motivate West Ham tonight?
Jack Wilshere was an integral part of Arsenal (youth and senior teams) for 17 long years before they decided to end ties with him. He will be looking forward to extract his revenge and can motivate his team, in this regard, before tonight's clash.
