West Ham have enjoyed a fine upturn in form since March’s international break, pushing seven points above the relegation zone after defeating Southampton and drawing with both Chelsea and Stoke City.
Whilst not yet mathematically safe from the drop, David Moyes’ side are within touching distance of securing their Premier League status for another season but face a difficult test in a London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Gunners have been in poor form on their travels but are one of the top sides in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium, which has led BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson to predict a 2-0 defeat for West Ham this weekend.
“Getting Andy Carroll fit is a big bonus for West Ham because he can come on for the last few minutes and cause mayhem, like he did in their draw with Stoke. But it is a big ask for them to go to Emirates Stadium and get anything there – on home form alone, Arsenal are third in the table, just two points behind Manchester City.”
“The Gunners have been making lots of changes for their league games in between Europa League ties but they do not play the first leg of their semi-final against Atletico Madrid until Thursday, so I would expect Arsene Wenger to field a strong team.”
Defeat for West Ham could reduce their advantage over the drop-zone to just four points, sucking the Hammers back into the relegation fight.
