Arsenal could potentially finish the weekend in second position with a game in hand and, if anything, our relentless injury problems could actually be doing the boss a favour.
The game at Upton Park is never taken for granted, even by the most confident fans but we actually have a very good record there in recent fixtures, losing only twice in the last 14 encounters in east London.
Zola’s team are having problems picking up points this season but there is an assumption that their attractive style will pay dividends eventually. With their favoured midfield four of Noble, Behrami, Parker and Collison likely to play together for the first time since last season, Zola has talked up West Ham’s chances of picking up their first home win of the season:
"It is just the kind of game that we need. Nobody is expecting us to do well against Arsenal, it could be a surprise.�
Despite their only points at home coming via a last minute equaliser against Fulham, West Ham never lie down against us and tomorrow promises to produce an entertaining battle.
The attacking options in our team are limitless at the moment so the injuries that are forcing Wenger’s hand in terms of team selection are saving him a serious headache. Eduardo and Bendtner should be in the squad but Rosicky and Walcott miss out, which leaves van Persie, Arshavin and one other to make up the attacking three. Diaby would be the obvious choice but Wenger appears to favour pairing him with Fabregas and has been keen on Eboue providing the third prong to our attack.
The Ivorian is primarily a full back so deploying him in the attack provides some terrible passing defensive cover, in theory. West Ham will use the diamond formation so they could potentially overrun our midfield three unless an energetic workhorse, like Eboue, is willing to track back.
The Ref: Steve Bennet
Prediction: 1-0 to The Arse. Diaby to score.