Arsenal
Arsenal Vs West Ham – Line-ups, Injury News, Match Facts, Preview And Prediction
Arsenal v West Ham
Wednesday, January 22, 2013
Emirates Stadium, Islington, London
Kickoff: 2:45 PM ET/19:45 GMT
2013 has been a nightmare start for Arsenal and their fans who are in desperate need of 3 points against West Ham when they host them in another London derby tonight. A frustrating draw at Southampton at New year’s day and the successive defeats at the hands of Manchester City and Chelsea is what Arsenal have managed so far, which means only a single point secured out of the possible 9 points in league.
Adding to the frustration is the FA cup replay against Swansea and thanks to Jack Wilshere the Londoners can still hang on to their cup dreams.
Can these two finish off things for Arsenal today?
Arsenal Vs West Ham was due to be played on Boxing day but the underground worker’s strike in London means the fixture had to be postponed. If the game had been played on it’s original date things might have been different for the Gunners who were on a three match winning streak and things were looking rosy with all the January window transfer rumours, but almost 20 days later Arsenal find themselves 7 points behind Spurs and 11 points behind Chelsea and are yet to make any signing (apart from Walcott’s contract extension). 4th place and the inevitable Arsenal’s trophy (Champions league Qualification) seems far from reach of Arsene Wenger’s men.
Arsene Wenger came out spoke about the importance of this game yesterday. He said:
“It’s a very important game for us, of course. We have to transform the potential we have shown in the [last] two games into points and that is a good opportunity tomorrow to do it. What is worrying is just that we do not win the big games. That at the moment we do not get the results we want.
That is more worrying than the difference in points. The difference in points mathematically is not dramatic, but the consistency of our performances within games is what is worrying. When you see us in the first half, and us in the second half it is difficult to believe that we are the same team. That is more worrying for me.”
West Ham on the other hand have done well both in the transfer market and in the league as well. Considering it’s their first season after promotion it has to be said they have done well to be sitting in at 12th place. Sam Allardyce has brought in ex-West Ham player Joe Cole and Arsenal striker Maurone Chamakh in January window looking to add a new attacking flare up front.
Team News and Injury News:
To make matter worse for the Gunners, Francis Coquelin who was brilliant against Chelsea picked up an injury in the same match and will not be available today adding worries to the already fragile midfield. Mikel Arteta is still out with his calf injury along with the long term absentees Rosicky and Fabianski.
It is expected that Ramsey will get the nod alongside Diaby in the midfield with Wilshere and Cazorla playing in advanced rolls. Podolski who missed out Chelsea’s encounter on account of illness but will be available for selection tonight. It is up-to Wenger to decide whether he starts with Giroud or Walcott upfront.
West Ham will be without the services of on-loan striker Chamakh and have to depend on Carlton Cole’s impending physical presence. Joe Cole and Matt Jarvis are the likely candidates to start along side Carlton. Arsenal target Diame and the dangerous Nolan will be battling it out in the midfield and it is a good chance for the fans who can take a closer look at Diame (potential Arsenal target).
Probable Line-ups:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Diaby, Wilshere; Cazorla, Podolski, Walcott; Giroud.
West Ham: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Tomkins , Reid , O’Brien ; Noble, Diame ; Jarvis, Nolan , Cole (Joe) ; Cole (Carlton).
Match Facts:
- Arsenal have won eight and lost none of the last 10 matches in all competitions against West Ham.
- The Hammers have failed to score in seven of the last nine Premier League games against the Gunners.
- West Ham were the last visiting team to win a Premier League game at Highbury and the first to win at the Emirates.
- Arsenal have scored in the 41st and 77th minutes in each of their last two matches against West Ham.
- There have been four penalties in the last five Premier League meetings between Arsenal and West Ham.
- Sam Allardyce has led a team to eight Premier League games away to Arsenal, and although he has never won (W0 D3 L5), his teams have only failed to score in one of those eight visits.
- Only Liverpool and Man Utd (six each) have won away at Arsenal more often in the Premier League era than West Ham (4).
- Arsenal have lost consecutive games in the Premier League for the first time since last January when they lost all three of their games in the month.
- Theo Walcott has been involved in five of Arsenal’s last six Premier League goals (three goals, two assists) and has scored 11 in his last 15 appearances for Arsenal (in all competitions).
- West Ham have won just one of their last seven games in the Premier League (W1 D2 L4), while away from home, they’ve collected just one point in their last five trips (D1 L4).
Prediction: 3-1 win for the home side.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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