Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Sat 9 May 2026 11:10, UK

West Ham United are looking to bounce back in the relegation battle on Sunday, as they welcome Arsenal to the London Stadium.

The fight at the bottom took another big twist over the weekend, with Tottenham picking up their second win of 2026 against Aston Villa.

That triumph in the Midlands came just a day after Nuno Espirito Santo‘s Hammers fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford.

As a result, the Irons occupy the final spot in the drop zone once again – a point away from their rivals.

With the league leaders making the trip from North to East London, West Ham are presented with a remarkable test as they aim to get back to winning ways.

Form guide

After climbing out of the drop zone last month, the Hammers have remained inconsistent, though they have been aided by the poor form of Spurs.

That changed in recent weeks, with Tottenham finally ending their wait for a win this year by topping already-relegated Wolves at Molineux.

The Irons would save themselves that day, with Callum Wilson netting a late winner against Everton, before the recent Brentford defeat saw them drop back into the relegation zone.

Arsenal arrive in fine fettle, having secured their place in the Champions League final on Tuesday and taken the title advantage over Manchester City following the Citizens’ 3-3 draw with Everton.

West Ham (last six games all comps): LWDWLL

Arsenal (last six games all comps): WWDWLD

Head-to-head

As a result of the gulf in quality between the pair historically, Arsenal lead the way when it comes to the head-to-head record.

But the Irons have proven capable of upsetting the Gunners, having secured a 1-0 win at the Emirates last term.

Concerningly, Arsenal have won the last two meetings at the London Stadium by an aggregate scoreline of 13-2.

However, the hosts have stunned Mikel Arteta’s side in a title race before, having played out a 2-2 draw in East London back in 2023.

Team news and predicted lineups

With no change on the injury front, Nuno again has a full squad available.

With this in mind, the door could be open for Jean-Clair Todibo to replace Pablo, who has been ineffective since his January arrival.

With this change, Todibo would form a back three alongside Axel Disasi and Kostas Mavropanos, with the Portuguese boss considering the threat posed by the title hopefuls.

For Arsenal, Arteta remains without Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber, with both set to miss the remaining weeks of the Premier League season – though they could return to the fold in time for the Champions League final later this month.

Bukayo Saka has begun to hit form after a recent struggle with injuries, while Viktor Gyokeres has proven a threat up top in recent weeks.

Predicted West Ham XI: Hermansen; Disasi, Mavropanos, Todibo; Walker-Peters, Fernandes, Soucek, Diouf; Bowen, Castellanos, Summerville

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Odegaard, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Arsenal man to watch: Declan Rice

Hammers fans will have fond memories of watching Declan Rice in the middle of the park, with the midfielder an integral cog in the Conference League winning side of 2023.

Now, Rice is one of the contenders for player of the year in the Premier League, while he is the beating heart of Arteta’s champions-elect.

Carrying history against West Ham at the London Stadium, the Irons will have to watch out for him again as he looks to carry his side a step closer to the title.

We say: West Ham 1-2 Arsenal

Unfortunately, this weekend’s clash with the Gunners may just be too much for the struggling Hammers.

After a slip against Manchester City, Arsenal have recovered perfectly, and now have the wind in their sails as they close out the season.

However, a compact and organised performance could bring about some positivity for West Ham, heading into the final two rounds.