Visiting West Ham

The Hammers' position in Barclays Premier League table is an indication that today's trip to West London is not going to be just another walk in the park like the one last week while entertaining the visit of Derby County at the Emirates.

The only side to do the 'double' over us last season, they would certainly display their usual grit and determination which have been their traits over the years. In those two matches last season, West Ham certainly took their chances very well while having a large slice of luck on their side.

Arsenal bombarded the West Ham goal with numerous attempts but could not find a way past Robert Green.

Hopefully, this time around he would be in a more generous mood to us and I am praying for more luck in front of the goals, with our attempts going to the back of the net and their efforts hitting a flying bird while going into the top corner.

Manuel Almunia is expected to be back between the posts and the usual back four of Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and Phillipe Senderos to line up in front of him. Arsene Wenger has expressed his vision for a future role for Gilberto Silva in defence rather than in the middle of the park.

This would serve us well despite the Brazillian's not thoroughly convincing performance during the match against Sp*ds the other day. He has played in the role before and I believe Gilberto would be able to do the job again.

It is better than to wait for the opportunity to play in the central midfield positions which are currently occupied by Cesc Fabregas and Matthieu Flamini. Furthermore there are Denilson, Vassiriki Abou Diaby and Lassana Diarra that Gilberto has to compete with for the spot.

Alex Hleb is expected to start on the right side of the midfield after recovering from his knee injury. With Tomas Rosicky being unavailable and Theo Walcott being rested, the role on the left side of the midfield should have gone to Eduardo Silva but the Croatia international has been ruled out with a groin problem.

Thus, it is most likely that Wenger will start with Abou Diaby in that role again after getting on the scoresheet last week against Derby. I am expecting Manu Adebayor to be partnered by Robin Van Persie though Niklas Bendtner should get a spot on the bench and can be called upon should the situation requires it.

West Ham would be dangerous with in-form striker Dean Ashton, who was revealed as a target for Wenger during his Crewe days; scoring in the last two matches against Newcastle United and Plymouth Argyle.

Both Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington have scored two goals each this season from midfield but the real threat would be from Mark Noble with the England youngster looking to regain the kind of form that won him the 2004-05 Young Player of the Year Award.

If featured, former Arsenal favourite Freddie Ljungberg would also provide a threat and the tall Carlton Cole could give Senderos hard times at the back.

Despite the Gunners recording their seventh consecutive win against Newcastle the other day, a trip to Upton Park could be the minefield which could do much damage to their title ambition this season.

Go Gooners!

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