West Ham have just one win in their last eight matches across all competitions, meanwhile Arsenal have just one defeat in their last eight matches. The Gunners will look to keep their strong Premier League form going despite the injury crisis hitting Mikel Arteta's squad.

Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, knowing that a win could mount serious pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool. Three points here would cut the gap to the top to just five points ahead of the Reds’ visit to Manchester City on Sunday.

Merino excelled off the bench last week as an emergency striker and scored twice as Arsenal beat Leicester 2-0 at the King Power Stadium. The Gunners have just three fit forwards at the moment in Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling - which is why Merino played as a No9.

Arsenal face West Ham this Saturday at the Emirates in Premier League Matchday 26. Arsenal sit 2nd with 53 points, while West Ham are 16th on 27 points. Mikel Arteta's side are unbeaten in their last 15 league games,