Michail Antonio starts, Nayef Aguerd missing – Confirmed West Ham United XI vs Arsenal
David Moyes’ West Ham starting XI for the trip to the Emirates to face an Arsenal side at the top of the table has been confirmed by the club.
The Irons go into the game now just two points off the foot of the Premier League after Wolves’ last-gasp win at Everton earlier on Monday (26 December).
Points are badly needed and Michail Antonio’s availability has boosted those chances, with Gianluca Scamacca absent from the squad along with Nayef Aguerd who picked up issues at the World Cup.
The two strikers were both doubts due to injury problems, but the Irons favourite has made it and takes his place up top in front of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Said Benrahma.
Captain Declan Rice is alongside Tomas Soucek behind them, with a back four of Vladimir Coufal, Craig Dawson, Thilo Kehrer and Aaron Cresswell, while Lukasz Fabianski is in goal.
Clash
Without a Premier League win in over two months, a trip to the league leaders first up after the World Cup probably wasn’t what Moyes would have chosen, especially before he’s had a chance to strengthen in the transfer window.
But given the six weeks off it might be as good a time as any for the Hammers to face their north London neighbours in the hopes of capitalising on any rust.
It has been anything but a comfortable season so far for West Ham, and while the logistical disruption of players heading to Qatar and injuries picked up on international duty won’t have helped, the psychological break may have.
Knocking off a Gunners side that has only lost once all season might be a tough ask, with attacking absentees making it all the more challenging, but a draw would certainly help as the club embarks on a crucial run of fixtures.
With Everton, Wolves and Leeds United all to play in the next four outings after the Boxing Day game, there is a chance to pull away from other clubs that are struggling around the relegation zone.
The table is still congested enough that the chance to make a qualified success of the campaign is not out of reach but the club will need to start picking up points fast if that is to happen.