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Arsenal host West Ham in the Premier League with kick off at 3pmGunners hope to close gap on league leaders Liverpool to five pointsWest Ham haven't won in four league games under Graham PottterMikel Merino replaces Raheem Sterling and starts up front for ArsenalArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Merino, TrossardWest Ham XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell; Scarles, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Bowen, KudusArsenal vs West Ham LIVE
Mikel Arteta does not want to rely on Liverpool dropping points in the title race and has told Arsenal to go out and beat West Ham this afternoon.
When you’re at this stage, every team is really good and when the time comes we’ll be ready for it.”
Jamie Braidwood22 February 2025 14:15
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures - Liverpool or Arsenal?
Arsenal have the chance to cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to just five points ahead of their visit to Manchester City tomorrow.
It feels like we can generate the right momentum and convincing yourself that you can do it with the right performances is a big factor because suddenly you feel really strong.”
Jamie Braidwood22 February 2025 14:00
Arsenal vs West Ham team news and line-ups
So Mikel Merino starts after his super-sub appearance off the bench against Leicester.
Jamie Braidwood22 February 2025 13:54
Arsenal vs West Ham team news and line-ups
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
West Ham XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell; Scarles, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Bowen, Kudus
Jamie Braidwood22 February 2025 13:46
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu out for rest of season after knee surgery
Arsenal have confirmed that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the rest of the season following surgery on his right knee.
Tomiyasu, 26, has featured just once this term following the injury, which he sustained prior to the campaign starting.
And the Gunners revealed the Japan international will now face an extended period on the sidelines.
Arsenal have endured a number of injury woes this season with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both out for the season, and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also currently absent.
Jamie Braidwood22 February 2025 13:35
Mikel Arteta sends message to Raheem Sterling amid Arsenal struggles: ‘We really need him’
Mikel Arteta has called on Raheem Sterling to rediscover his form to ensure Arsenal remain hot on Liverpool’s heels in the Premier League title race.
Injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli leaves only Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Sterling as the club’s recognised forwards.
But although Nwaneri, 17, impressed in Arsenal’s win at Leicester last weekend, Sterling was withdrawn after 69 minutes with his replacement, Mikel Merino, scoring a match-winning brace.
Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, has started just four league matches and scored only once this season – in a Carabao Cup win against Bolton at the Emirates in September.
But he could be handed another start in Arsenal’s fixture against West Ham at the Emirates on Saturday.
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood22 February 2025 12:55
Will Mikel Merino start against West Ham?
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