This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

This is West Ham's most demanding challenge since their return to the Premier League, and one they will relish. Relatively kind opening fixtures have allowed them to settle back in to the top flight impressively, but Arsenal have the guile to ask them questions. The visitors are, though, slightly pressurised after losing some confidence and fluency in defeat to Chelsea. Per Mertesacker's return would be welcome to shore up a defence that has looked vulnerable in his absence, particularly if Andy Carroll is in the mood to cause some damage. Amy Lawrence

Venue Upton Park

Tickets £23-£46 (0871 222 2700)

Last season n/a

Referee P Dowd

This season's matches 3 Y8, R1, 3.00 cards per game

Odds West Ham 27-10 Arsenal 19-20 Draw 5-2

West Ham

Subs from Henderson, Tomkins, O'Brien, Potts, Spence, Taylor, O'Neill, Benayoun, Maiga, Maynard, Carroll

Doubtful None

Injured Diarra (thigh, Dec), Collison (knee, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide WDDWLW

Disciplinary record Y15 R0

Leading scorer Nolan 3

Arsenal

Subs from Martínez, Yennaris, Koscielny, Fabianski, Djourou, Squillaci, Frimpong, Ramsey, André Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin, Chamakh, Walcott

Doubtful Fabianski (shoulder) Injured Rosicky (achilles, 20 Oct), Sagna (broken leg, 20 Oct), Szczesny (ankle, 20 Oct), Diaby (thigh, Nov) Wilshere (match fitness, Nov)

Suspended None Form guide LDWWDD Disciplinary record Y4 R0

Leading scorer Gervinho 3

Match pointers

• West Ham have lost just one of their last 16 league fixtures at Upton Park

• Arsenal have only had fewer points after six games of a Premier League season in two of their previous 20 seasons; seven in 2011-12 and five in 1994-95

• The hosts have committed more fouls than any other top-flight side (91)

• Gervinho has scored three goals from just three shots this season

• There have been four penalties awarded in the last four league meetings between these teams