Preview: Arsenal vs. West Ham United

Arsenal welcome West Ham United to the Emirates on Wednesday looking to keep their Champions League hopes alive against a struggling Hammers outfit.

The Gunners have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, while they have fewer points at this stage of the season (34) than in any other campaign since Arsene Wenger took charge.

Their recent home form has also flattered to deceive with three wins and two defeats from their last five, but Wenger's side did win the reverse fixture 3-1 at Upton Park last October.

West Ham, meanwhile, have struggled away from Upton Park this season. They have picked up just eight points from their last 10 away games and have failed to score in seven outings this term.

Another unwelcome statistic for Sam Allardyce's side is that they have scored just five league goals on the road this season, which is the worst record in the division.

The home side are expected to be without the services of Mikel Arteta once more, while Gervonho is on Africa Cup of Nations duty and therefore will not be available. West Ham could call upon Carlton Cole to replace Marouane Chamakh, but Andy Carroll and James Collins are still injured.

Recent form:

Arsenal: DDLWL West Ham: WDLLD

Possible lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Diaby, Wilshere, Cazorla; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Podolski

West Ham: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, O'Brien; J Cole, Diame, Noble, Jarvis; Nolan, C Cole

Sports Mole says: 2-0