Football, Premier League, Day 10: West Ham United vs FC Arsenal

In-form Arsenal make the trip across London to Upton Park, where they will face off against West Ham United late Sunday afternoon.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola would like to see his team´s poor run end with an upset against Arsenal. The Hammers have not won a Premier League game since beating Wolves on the opening day of the season and have failed to find the net in each of their last four top-flight meetings with the North London club. Despite prevailing doubts Zola still fancies his team´s chances at Upton Park:
'In my opinion it is just the kind of game that we need. We are the underdogs. Nobody is expecting us to do well against Arsenal. "The spirit of the team is still very high though and it could be a surprise. Certainly we are going to give it our best shot. If we keep performing well then sooner or later we are going to get the points we deserve.'
The Hammers are still without Dean Ashton and Luis Boa Morte, but Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer have an outside chance of being available on Sunday.

Arsenal have won 7 competitive games in a row, until Wendsday´s Champions League draw against AZ Alkmaar. Manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful to have striker Eduardo back in action at Upton Park, but Nicklas Bendtner and Tomas Rosicky remain doubtful for the trip to East London. Brendtner struggles with a groin strain while key midfielder Thomas Rosicky still has not recovered fron thigh injury. Other than that Forward Theo Walcott (knee), midfielder Denilson (back) and defender Johan Djorou (knee) remain on the treatment table and are unlikely to play on Sunday. Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who has been impressive in the last weeks, will likely keep regular Number 1 Manuel Almunia on the bench. Mannone has been remarkably consistent and Arsenal have yet to loose a competitive game with the Italian in goal.

West Ham United vs FC Arsenal

Fixture: Sunday, October 25th 2009, 17:15 CET
Stadium: Boleyn Ground (Upton Park)

Tip: West Ham will face an uphill battle on Sunday and come up short against Arsenal on Sunday.

My tip: 2

The best odd is at bettson: 1.53

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