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West Ham v Arsenal

Before every Arsenal fixture, we’ll bring you a Scouting Report on the Gunners’ next opponents.

Arsène Wenger's travel to West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday. To find out more, we asked tactical expert Michael Cox.

Michael Cox

As West Ham demonstrated on the opening weekend of the Premier League season at the Emirates, they’re capable of playing excellent counter-attacking football. Arsenal should dominate possession in their final visit to Upton Park, but must be wary of the Hammers’ direct breaks.

Slaven Bilic has played two separate formations in recent weeks, switching between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, with the latter often appearing like a 4-3-2-1 because the wide players have license to move inside into the centre, allowing the full backs forward on the overlap.

"Such a sturdy central midfield zone means West Ham’s full backs can fly forward. Michail Antonio is more naturally a right winger and therefore an excellent ball carrier, while left-sided Aaron Cresswell has impressed with the timing of his runs and his delivery from the flank"

Michael Cox

Bilic will probably use that system this weekend, and Arsenal must be particularly attentive to the threat of the Hammers’ creators.

Dimitri Payet has been a revelation this season, usually drifting inside from the left flank. A mesmeric dribbler and a wonderful free-kick taker, he’s unquestionably the main threat.

Manuel Lanzini is another danger and his contribution has often been overlooked - the little Argentine is a wonderful technical footballer capable of finding space between the lines.

There’s a question mark over who will lead the line: Diafra Sakho, Antonio Valencia, Andy Carroll and Emmanuel Eminike have all been handed opportunities recently. They’re very different strikers, and Bilic must make a decision about whether he wants pace or an aerial threat up front.

Mark Noble has enjoyed arguably the best season of his career in central midfield, making lots of tackles and providing steady distribution to the flanks. Cheikhou Kouyate will partner him, despite being dismissed in a 2-2 draw at Palace last weekend - his suspension has been rescinded.

If Bilic decides to beef up his midfield, a likely scenario, ex-Arsenal midfielder Alex Song will also play.

Such a sturdy central midfield zone means West Ham’s full backs can fly forward. Michail Antonio is more naturally a right winger and therefore an excellent ball carrier, while left-sided Aaron Cresswell has impressed with the timing of his runs and his delivery from the flank.

Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna are among the most solid centre-back pairings in the league, while goalkeeper Adrian remains underrated, and is a fine shot-stopper.

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey

 

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