{"id":30236,"date":"2026-05-09T12:38:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T12:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=30236"},"modified":"2026-05-09T12:38:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T12:38:25","slug":"arsenals-pursuit-of-glory-as-west-ham-battles-for-survival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/arsenals-pursuit-of-glory-as-west-ham-battles-for-survival\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal’s Pursuit of Glory as West Ham Battles for Survival"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On Sunday, Arsenal resumes its Premier League campaign with high spirits as they prepare to face West Ham United in a key London derby at the London Stadium.<\/p>\n

The Gunners approach this match fresh off a historic achievement, having secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League final for the second time in the club’s history. Bukayo Saka\u2019s critical goal led to a 1-0 win against Atl\u00e9tico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, resulting in a 2-1 aggregate victory and ending a 20-year wait for the team’s return to the final.<\/p>\n

Mikel Arteta\u2019s squad is now ambitiously aiming for both a league and European double. With a five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal is well-positioned, although City has a match in hand. Recent wins over Newcastle United and Everton, paired with City’s recent draw with Everton, have made the title increasingly attainable as the campaign reaches its conclusion.<\/p>\n

As they head into the derby, Arsenal\u2019sofficial X account<\/a> shared highlights from past victories against West Ham, stoking excitement among fans who hope to see another strong performance. The Gunners’ proficiency in set pieces may be a crucial factor against a West Ham team that has consistently struggled to defend against dead-ball situations.<\/p>\n

Watch the video below:<\/p>\n

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Looking for more of the same 👊<\/p>\n

Some of our classics at West Ham from over the years 🎯<\/p>\n

\u2014 Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, West Ham is in a desperate fight to prevent relegation after a harsh 3-0 loss to Brentford last weekend. Nuno Espirito Santo\u2019s team is currently positioned below the relegation zone, and their chances of survival are diminishing.<\/p>\n

Although West Ham is expected to put up a strong fight in front of their fans, Arsenal\u2019s confidence and quality make them the clear favorites as they head into this derby.<\/p>\n

Team News<\/h2>\n

Arsenal still faces the absence of Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber due to injuries, but Mikel Arteta has reported no new issues before the derby.<\/p>\n

The Gunners are likely to field the same team that triumphed over Atl\u00e9tico Madrid midweek.<\/p>\n

Viktor Gyokeres comes into this match in excellent form, having scored nine goals in his last 12 Premier League outings. Myles Lewis-Skelly is also expected to continue in midfield.<\/p>\n

West Ham, on the other hand, has a fully fit squad. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Callum Wilson are keen to reclaim their positions in the starting eleven, while captain Jarrod Bowen remains creative despite experiencing a goal drought recently.<\/p>\n

\"Westham
Westham united celebrating a goal. (photo credit: BBC media)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Possible Lineups<\/h2>\n

Arsenal possible starting lineup:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres<\/p>\n

West Ham possible starting lineup:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville; Wilson, Castellanos<\/p>\n

How to watch<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Channel<\/th>\nRegion<\/th>\nKickoff Time<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
SkySports<\/a>Main Event<\/td>\nUnited Kingdom<\/td>\n16:30 BST<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SuperSport Premier League<\/td>\nNigeria Africa<\/td>\n16:30 WAT<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peacock Premium<\/td>\nUSA<\/td>\n11:30 ET<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Match Prediction<\/h2>\n

Softfootball <\/a>forecasts a solid 3-0 victory for the Gunners.<\/p>\n

\"Arsenal
Arsenal go to Budapest undefeated- Photo credit: UEFA media <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Given Arsenal\u2019s recent Champions League success and strong league performance, they should present a significant challenge for struggling West Ham.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n