What Arsenal Need: They need to play their beautiful game and stay confident in their play even if they don't break the deadlock early on in the match. Arsenal need to take a high percentage of their chances in front of goal because I don't see them getting more than six or seven shots on target as West Ham will be defending with all eleven men from the outset. Curbishly isn't stupid so he won't try to 'play' against Arsenal, instead he'll look to soak up pressure, limit shots on goal and hit Arsenal on the break.
The two centre backs will have a busy day keeping tabs on Bellamy and the newly resurgent Ashton but both Gunners have dominated far superior strikers and should cope well. They should expect a good amount of long balls for Ashton to flick on for Bellamy.
Things To Watch Out For: Fabregas will get similar rough treatment to that he received from Reo-Coker last season. Everyone knows he makes Arsenal tick so he'll be picked out for special treatment by the Hammers. If Fabregas maintains his movement around the pitch then the home side will be chasing shadows and may not get close. West Ham will fade in the last twenty minutes of the match and Arsenal know this so expect the Gunners to score during this period.
Hopes For The Match: I hope van Persie looks sharp today and gets on the score sheet. Many had tipped him to be Arsenal's top goal scorer this season but at the moment he's trailing behind the blistering Adebayor and Fabregas, so a goal would be great for his confidence. I hope Flamini puts in another lung-busting display because I think Arsenal need his enthusiasm and Ray Parlour-like work rate in the middle of the park.
Arsenal have a number of world class players unavailable due to injury and it would be terrible to add to this list. I just hope that if any players get knocks they are smart enough to come off as soon as possible rather than continue running on the injury which only makes it worse.
Team Selection: The back four picks itself at the moment, I just hope Wenger doesn't give Senderos a rest and play Gilberto at centre back. Don't get me wrong, the Brazilian is a solid 'emergency centre back' but he shouldn't be picked in defence over established players.
The midfield four picks itself too. Fabregas is a must, Flamini is on fire at the moment, Hleb is a must on the right and Diaby is the only player that Wenger likes to deputise on the left. I personally wouldn't mind Wenger using Armand "Knuckles" Traore as a left winger. I was impressed by him in the Carling Cup match against Newcastle and his cross for the Bendtner goal was inch perfect.
Up front Adebayor will be looking to add to his six goals already this season and van Persie will start alongside. The young Dutchman has been out of sorts for a while and should be back fully rested and raring to go. Bendtner will start on the bench but will get twenty minutes at the end of the match.
| My team selection for this game: Adebayor, Eduardo Flamini, Diaby, Fabregas, Walcott Clichy, Senderos, Toure, Sagna Almunia Subs: Fabianski, Denilson, Diarra, Hoyte, van Persie |
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Unavailable: Lehmann (elbow), Gallas (thigh); Rosicky (hamstring); Eduardo (groin), Song (calf), Walcott (rested).
Other issues: As shrewd and ruthless as Wenger is, I was surprised not to see him let Lehmann leave the club in the summer. He only had one season left at best and at some point Wenger has to blood a new keeper. With Lehmann gone, Almunia would assume the number 1 shirt, with Fabianski as his understudy. Then all Wenger would need would be a third keeper as backup. There are a number of promising young keepers in the reserves such as Mannone and Szczesny, which are both under-21 internationals so there is not shortage of shot stoppers at the club. I just don't see the benefit in keeping a 38 year old keeper around when you are building a team of youngsters into Wenger's next great team.
Prediction: West Ham 1 Arsenal 2
