Sam Allardyce keen to maintain home form

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has praised his side's recent home form ahead of the London derby against Arsenal at Upton Park.

The Hammers lost their opening two home league matches this season, but have since won six of the last seven to take 19 points from a possible 21.

Just one point and one place separate the two sides going into Sunday's match, and Allardyce is hopeful that their home form will help them claim another big scalp, having already beaten Manchester City and Liverpool at Upton Park this season.

"The last seven home games have been six wins and one draw," Allardyce told reporters.

"I am relying on the home form that we have shown over the last seven games to be there in abundance on Sunday. We have turned it into a real fortress again and I hope that is going to be the case against Arsenal."

West Ham saw their five-match unbeaten streak come to an end at the hands of league leaders Chelsea on Boxing Day.