Arsenal have relinquished their position at the top of the Premier League table, with their goalless draw against Chelsea on Monday night ensuring they stayed below Liverpool on goal difference. They've now not won in four in all competitions, though should rectify their recent form with three points on Boxing Day.
West Ham United vs. Arsenal: Preview and TV schedule
Arsenal will be expecting to cap their festivities with three Boxing Day points away at struggling West Ham.
Shaun Botterill
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That’s because they are travelling to face a West Ham team which has surprisingly struggled so far this season, having picked up just three wins in their opening 17 league games. Sam Allardyce’s side is now just a point and a place above the bottom three, and stands little chance of a result on Thursday.
Their task is made even harder by the absence of several important first-teamers, including Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Winson Reid. However, Arsenal have their fair share of sidelined players too, with Jack Wilshere notably added to the list due to suspension. Arsène Wenger will be hoping to have Laurent Koscielny and Mikel Arteta available after slight injury problems.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Mladen Petrić (calf), Ricardo Vaz Tê (shoulder), Andy Carroll (foot), Winston Reid (ankle), Stewart Downing (ankle). In doubt: None.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Abou Diaby (knee), Yaya Sanogo (back), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Ryo Miyaichi (hamstring), Jack Wilshere (suspended). In doubt: Laurent Koscielny (knee), Mikel Arteta (knock).
Projected lineups
West Ham United: Jussi Jääskeläinen; Răzvan Raț, George McCartney, James Collins, Guy Demel; Mohamed Diamé, Mark Noble; Matt Jarvis, Ravel Morrison, Joe Cole; Carlton Cole.
Arsenal: Wojciech Szczęsny; Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna; Mathieu Flamini, Aaron Ramsey; Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Theo Walcott; Olivier Giroud.
Match Date/Time: Thursday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time, DirecTV (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Arsenal Player (U.K. and international)
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