Yahoo News Arsenal vs West Ham, Premier League preview: Team news, kick-off time, TV channel and prediction
What is it?
Ordinarily, it would just be any other Premier League match, albeit a London derby. But this game has taken on new significance as it is the first match since Friday's shock announcement that Arsene Wenger is leaving Arsenal at the end of the season.
Before Wenger's plan to leave, it was expected that The Emirates would be half empty - a sign of protest against Wenger by disenchanted supporters. That won't be the case any more... expect the stadium to be heaving!
When is it?
Tomorrow! Sunday, April 22.
What time is kick-off?
1.30pm.
What TV channel is it on?
All the live action is on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 12.30pm. Or you can watch highlights on Match of the Day on BBC 2 at 10.30pm. Or you can follow all the action with our live blog.
What is the team news?
Arsenal
The Gunners have doubts over the fitness of Jack Wilshere. The midfielder missed last weekend's defeat at Newcastle with an ankle injury that could again leave him on the sidelines against David Moyes' men, but Aaron Ramsey is available after suffering a deep gash to his calf against CSKA Moscow on April 12.
Manager Arsene Wenger has promised to name a strong side despite the upcoming Europa League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan (knee) and Santi Cazorla (Achilles) remain out.
Provisional squad: Cech, Ospina, Holding, Mustafi, Chambers, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Nelson, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Xhaka, Willock, Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil, Iwobi, Welbeck, Lacazette, Nketiah, Aubameyang.
West Ham
Joe Hart could pay for his latest mistake when the Hammers travel to Arsenal. The goalkeeper's blunder gifted Stoke a goal in Monday's 1-1 draw and boss David Moyes admits he has a decision to make, with Adrian waiting in the wings.
James Collins is not ready to return from his hamstring injury, while Winston Reid, Michail Antonio, Sam Byram and Pedro Obiang are long-term absentees.
Provisional squad: Hart, Adrian, Ogbonna, Rice, Cresswell, Evra, Masuaku , Zabaleta, Noble, Kouyate, Fernandes, Lanzini, Mario, Arnautovic, Hernandez, Carroll, Hugill.
What does the table look like?
What are they saying?
Former striker Ian Wright has claimed in The Sun that Arsene Wenger was sacked and does not believe it is in his character to walk away:
"Arsene Wenger is a man of principle, honesty and integrity - that is why I am convinced he has been sacked and not resigned.
"For all the vitriol and abuse thrown at him, Arsene has never been a man to walk out before the end of a contract.
"It is a sad situation that it's come to this and I don't suppose we will ever find out who is responsible, because they will hide behind each other.
"One day he is doing a press conference with no hint of this, the next he's gone. It doesn't add up.
"But Arsene can go with his head high. That's why, whatever the results, it is imperative he gets the send-off a true Arsenal and football legend deserves. We all owe him so much."
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David Moyes believes whoever steps in to replace Arsene Wenger will have a tough job on his hands:
"It's never easy when you follow great managers at great clubs. It'll be tough for whoever takes the (Arsenal) job.
"He's been a great competitor, a terrific manager. One of the best managers that the Premier League has seen.
"Real football people appreciate what he's done. He's dedicated to his job, he's been dedicated to his sport and he's a real proper football man."
What are the odds?
Arsenal to win 1/2
Draw 7/2
West Ham to win 5/1
What's our prediction?
With both clubs drifting towards a mediocre end-of-season finish, this match is now all about the beginning of the end of Arsene Wenger. Arsenal can be pipped to sixth by Burnley, but Thursday's Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid will dictate selection, while David Moyes can go for broke.
Predicted score: Arsenal 2 West Ham 1.
