Arsenal: 4 big hopes in the quest for a top four place

West Ham’s Europa League First Leg Being Tight

As previously noted, Sunday’s game against West Ham comes at an incredibly welcome point in the calendar for Arsenal.

David Moyes’ side will play Eintracht Frankfurt at home three days prior before making the journey to Germany for the second leg the following week, in what is one of the biggest nights in the club’s history. That tie means everything to them, as witnessed by Moyes’ team selection against Chelsea.

Furthermore, Craig Dawson’s red card in that match leaves them without a senior central defender for Sunday. It’s all going well so far and a ball hasn’t been kicked.

What is very important, however, is that their Europa League tie remains in the balance. If the Hammers get walloped 4-0 – or dish out a walloping – then their attentions could turn fully towards the clash with Arsenal. That game needs to say tight, whether it’s a draw or a narrow win either side, as any encouragement to make wholesale changes will be warmly received.

There is no fear of West Ham winning the Europa League and suddenly ridding Arsenal of Champions League if they finish fourth, either. Should they claim the title there will instead be five English teams in the group stages (RB Leipzig will win it anyway).

What also wouldn’t go amiss? Liverpool battering Villarreal 10-0 and then being able to rest players for their second leg, which is four days before they face Tottenham. Yes please. Sorry, Unai.

Continued on next page…