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West Ham logo
Premier League
Dec 26, 2013 at 3pm UK
 
Arsenal logo

1-3

Cole (46')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Walcott (68', 70'), Podolski (79')

Preview: West Ham United vs. Arsenal

Sports Mole previews the Boxing Day London derby between West Ham and Arsenal as the Gunners look to return to the top of the table.

Arsenal would move back to the top of the Premier League table for a few hours at least if they can beat struggling West Ham United at Upton Park on Boxing Day.

The Gunners were usurped at the summit for Christmas by Liverpool, failing to take top spot back during Monday's goalless draw with Chelsea at the Emirates.

However, with the Merseysiders not kicking off against Manchester City until later in the day, a win would see Arsenal move back into first, while a draw could also be enough depending on results elsewhere.

Arsene Wenger's men have suffered a difficult December, however, winning just one of their five matches in all competitions so far this month and dropping seven points in the title race.

Their away form this season has been impressive, though, with only North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur picking up more points on their travels in the league.

The Gunners have not lost on Boxing Day since 1999 and they could be boosted by the return of Laurent Koscielny, who missed Monday's draw against Chelsea with a gashed leg.

Jack Wilshere, meanwhile, completes his two-game ban for an offensive gesture at the end of his side's mauling by Manchester City a couple of weeks ago.

West Ham, meanwhile, need to start picking up positive results in the Premier League as they currently sit just a point and a place above the relegation zone.

Sam Allardyce's men booked their spot in the Capital One Cup semi-finals last week, but they have won just one of their last 10 league outings and two of the last 16.

The Hammers have also won just one of their last seven league games at Upton Park, losing four and drawing the remaining two in that time.

However, they will be boosted by the return of captain Kevin Nolan from suspension, while James Tomkins is available despite being arrested on Sunday.

Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Mladen Petric, Ricardo Vaz Te and Winston Reid remain sidelined, while Adrian could retain his place in the side ahead of Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Recent form

West Ham: WLLDWL

Arsenal: WWDLLD

Possible starting lineups

West Ham: Adrian; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney; Noble; Taylor, Nolan, Diame, Jarvis; Maiga

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Walcott, Cazorla, Ozil; Giroud

Sports Mole says: 0-2


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Sam Allardyce the West Ham manager looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and West Ham United at KC Stadium on September 28, 2013
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Tables header RHS
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1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool34228475344174
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


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