Having slipped to fifth place in the standings at the weekend, Arsenal desperately need to defeat West Ham and keep their top 4 hopes alive.

Meanwhile, the Hammers need just few more points to ensure survival and they will attempt to pour more misery on their local rivals.

These have been pretty testing times for Arsenal, and the team will have a lot to play for in the remainder of the season.

The Gunners suffered a real scare in the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic as they went behind midway through the second half, but they managed to level the score and ended up recording an invaluable win after penalties.

This basically means they are closing in on the first major trophy after nine years, but before they can focus on the final against Hull City, Arsene Wenger’s men need to try and improve their league position.

Having lost to Everton last time out and with the Toffees also winning at the Stadium of Light, Arsenal currently sit two points behind their league rivals, but they are 1.44 (4/9) to see off West Ham and put extra pressure on Roberto Martinez’s side.

Mathieu Flamini remains suspended, but Laurent Koscielny could make a long-awaited return and Aaron Ramsey could start his first Premier League game since returning from injury.

The games comes to soon for Mesut Ozil, with Gnabry, Rosicky, Wilshere, Monreal, Walcott, Miyaichi and Diaby also on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs – Ramsey, Arteta – Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski – Giroud.

Even with star player Andy Carroll missing the big chunk of the season, West Ham have managed to avoid the relegation tussle altogether, which has got to be considered a success.

The Hammers proved to be difficult opponents even for England’s top sides, and they were very close to putting a dent into Liverpool’s title hopes last weekend.

Sam Allardyce’s side ended up suffering a narrow defeat after the Reds scored twice from the penalty spot, but they can take a lot of heart from a very good performance against the Premier League leaders.

West Ham will now attempt to improve on their 4-4-8 away record when they face Arsenal at the Emirates and they look a good bet to score at odds of 1.73 (8/11).

James Collins and Marco Borriello continue to miss out, but Joey O’Brien and George McCartney are expected to return.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Adrian – Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Armero – Downing, Noble, Taylor, Diame – Nolan – Carroll.