The Gunners maintained their top spot in the table last weekend following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

They will now face the Hammers after Christmas and the game promises to be a thriller, given the scoring form of both teams.

Ahead of the encounter, the Gunners are set to be without the services of Kai Havertz , who will be serving a one-game suspension.

The German picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign at Anfield and as a result, he has triggered a one-game league ban.

In his absence, manager Mikel Arteta is likely to field Leandro Trossard in the number eight position ahead of Emile Smith Rowe .

Smith Rowe has just returned from a knee injury and he has made just two cameo appearances off the bench across all competitions.

With a high intensity expected in the derby, Trossard could be backed for the role, considering his creativity and dribbling skills.

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