West Ham and Arsenal may have had different results on Boxing Day, but that is not likely to change the confidence level of the Hammers ahead of today's meeting with the Gunners at Upton Park.
Arsenal looked to be in cruise control from the opening whistle, with QPR not really causing them any problems. An early spot kick for Alexis Sanchez looked to be the perfect start for the hosts, until the Chilean stepped up and nearly passed it to Robert Green.
Sanchez did end up getting his goal, putting the Gunners in the lead, but some poor decision making from Olivier Giroud earned him a red card and a likely three match suspension.
Arsene Wenger was far from pleased and that was more than evident as he glanced at the French international before he disappeared into the tunnel.
Without Giroud, Wenger ill likely allow Danny Welbeck to lead the offense, or, if he's feeling a bit adventurous, he could lean on Theo Walcott or Lukas Podolski, who both scored at Upton Park last season.
The German international has not had many opportunities this season, but when he's been called on, he's definitely impressed. Whether or not the Arsenal manager decides to make him option remains to be seen, but one thing we do know is that Alexis Sanchez will once again be the focal point for the Gunners.
Trying to stop the Chilean will be former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.
On loan from Barcelona, Song has done well in his return to the Premier League. Sam Allardyce rested him on Boxing Day against Chelsea, bringing him on late in the second half.
With the Cameroon international out to stop the Gunners from creating much offense, Andy Carroll will be aiming to disrupt an Arsenal back line that continues to have it's problems.
Laurent Koscielny is set to face a late fitness test and it looks unlikely that he will be ready to feature at Upton Park. That would mean that either Nacho Monreal or Calum Chambers would slot into the back four. While Monreal offers more experience, Chambers offers more size and physicality to deal with Carroll, but make no mistake about it, both will struggle against the English striker.
A win or draw would allow the Hammers to finish 2014 above Arsenal, but they will be up against a negative streak. Arsenal has won their last six meetings when these two sides meet, with their latest at Upton Park ending in a 1-3 victory. Theo Walcott scored two goals while Lukas Podolski added a third all within 11 minutes.
This match will offer some high paced football with some mistakes and goals in the mix.
West Ham vs. Arsenal team sheets
West Ham starting XI: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Carroll, Downing, Sakho, O'Brien, Amalfitano, Song (c)
Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Alexis, Welbeck
West Ham bench: Jaaskelainen, Nolan, Noble, Collins, Demel, Cole, Valencia
Arsenal bench: Ospina, Gibbs, Podolski, Walcott, Chambers, Campbell, Akpom
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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