Arsenal v West Ham preview (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Arsenal v West Ham preview

10:00am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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Arsenal v West Ham
Premier League
Emirates Stadium, Saturday March 20, 5.30pm

Last meeting: West Ham 1-2 Arsenal (03-01-10). An Alessandro Diamanti goal looked to have set West Ham on their way to a historic FA Cup win, but a well-taken Aaron Ramsey strike and an Eduardo header seven minutes from time saw Arsenal progress to the next round.

The opposition: Arsenal are in ominous form, having reignited their Premier League title challenge with five successive wins. Liverpool, Sunderland, Stoke, Burnley and Hull have all been vanquished in recent weeks, bringing the Gunners to within striking distance of leading pair Chelsea and Manchester United.

Danger men: If Cesc Fabregas is passed fit for the clash, his eye for the elusive million-dollar ball will have to be nullified, while Theo Walcott is regaining form at just the right time.

Did you know? Arsenal have scored six stoppage-time goals in their last five matches.

Prediction: Arsenal 3 West Ham 1.

Betting tip: Hammers striker Carlton Cole’s physical presence up front is likely to give Sol Campbell and Thomas Vermaelen a headache. There will be good odds available for the frontman to net the first goal at the Emirates on Saturday.