Arsenal can take a huge step towards the Premier League title when they visit West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners secured their spot in the Champions League final on Tuesday night by beating Atletico Madrid at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka’s first-half tap-in was enough for the North Londoners to book their place in Budapest, marking their first appearance at this stage of the competition since 2006.
Attention now turns back to domestic action for Mikel Arteta and his players, back to the intense title race they find themselves embroiled in. Navigate their way past relegation-threatened West Ham, and they’ll have two winnable fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace to come.
That said, overcoming Nuno Espirito Santo’s team won’t be easy. The Hammers are unbeaten at home since January and have successfully frustrated some of the league’s best attacks during that run. It’s set to be an extremely difficult hurdle for Arsenal to get over.
Bukayo Saka vs Malick Diouf
Bukayo Saka has been outstanding for Arsenal since returning from his latest injury setback. The wide man scored crucial goals against both Fulham and Atletico Madrid, and has seemingly rediscovered his best form, which had eluded him before his period on the sidelines.
If Arsenal do claim all three points in Stratford on Sunday, Saka will no doubt have a lot to do with it. The Gunners’ attack runs through the England international, and he tends to be at the forefront of every dangerous moment Arteta’s team are able to create.
On Sunday, he’ll be up against West Ham’s dynamic offensive full-back Malick Diouf. The Senegalese defender is renowned for his spectacular deliveries, and not his defensive work, and thus, this could be an area of the pitch Saka and Arsenal exploit.
Viktor Gyokeres vs Konstantinos Mavropanos
A matter of weeks ago, Arsenal fans wouldn’t have been particularly optimistic about Viktor Gyokeres’ prospective individual battle with former Gunners defender Konstantinos Mavropanos. However, after a couple of impressive displays, Gyokeres has proven that he can add significant value to Arsenal’s attack beyond scoring goals.
The Swede was instrumental to the North Londoners’ win over Atletico, using his relentless willingness to run in behind to provide Arteta’s side with a constant outlet. Arsenal’s deeper players were able to consistently play the ball into space for Gyokeres to run onto.
| Viktor Gyokeres’ statistics this season (all competitions) | |
| Appearances | 51 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.21 |
| Expected Goals per 90 (non-penalty) | 0.41 |
The Gunners will no doubt attempt to use this release valve again on the weekend. That said, Mavropanos is currently in the form of his life, and his aggressive approach will present Gyokeres with a new challenge. It’ll be a fascinating battle.
Piero Hincapie vs Jarrod Bowen
Given they’re the best defensive team in the world, Arsenal don’t have to be overly concerned with what West Ham have to offer in attack. Valentin Castellanos hasn’t pulled up trees since his summer move, Pablo has offered little in the final third and Crysencio Summerville is inconsistent with his end product.
However, Jarrod Bowen offers a real threat for the Irons. Despite enduing a difficult season as a team, Bowen’s output has remained impressive, scoring ten goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions.
Warrior ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 26, 2026
The best of Hincapie against Newcastle United 🎥 pic.twitter.com/mrj3ibIo4G
He’s the danger man for West Ham, and Arsenal need to keep him quiet. This is likely why Piero Hincapie may be selected from the start, with the Ecuadorian’s outstanding one-against-one ability meaning he has the tools to negate Bowen.
