Game Week 36 Predictions: Arsenal must beat West Ham at the London Stadium

West Ham's survival depends on whatever they do in this fixture. Arsenal's title bid depends solely on whatever they do in this fixt...

West Ham's survival depends on whatever they do in this fixture. Arsenal's title bid depends solely on whatever they do in this fixture. Is this the most important fixture of the season? (Photo credit: Opta)

 West Ham vs Arsenal

London Stadium

4:30pm

Manchester City took care of their own end of the Premier League title business on Saturday with a convincing 3-0 victory in front of the Etihad Stadium fans.

Manchester City's win has reduced Arsenal's advantage at the top to just 2 points, having played the same number of games. Arsenal can increase that advantage to five points again with a win over the Hammers, while the Cityzens will have their chance to respond in midweek against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal knows that a win in all their remaining games guarantees them the title. It doesn't matter what happens in any of Manchester City's remaining games. As long as Arsenal doesn't drop points, Manchester City can't catch them.

West Ham is in trouble. Losing badly to Brentford last weekend, then watching Tottenham beat Aston Villa, dropped the Hammers into the bottom three. West Ham can only stand a great chance of survival if they beat the Gunners at their London Stadium on Sunday.

Nuno Espirito Santo's position as the head coach of West Ham is under scrutiny. The club's hierarchy has come out in support of the Portuguese manager, but is there a chance he stays if they get relegated soon?

After Arsenal visits the London Stadium, the Hammers will go to Newcastle in search of three points and then end the season at home against Leeds United. It's tough on paper, but can the Hammers rise to it?

It's not enough for West Ham to win all their remaining games. They also need Tottenham to drop points. Spurs won't find their remaining games easy either, but they will face them knowing that Arsenal wants to win the title, that Eddie Howe could lose his job if he loses to West Ham, and that Leeds United won't want to end the season with a loss.

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to book a date in the Champions League final against PSG. It's only the second time in their long history that they will be playing in the Champions League final. All their focus is on West Ham now; they must get the result they need to stay in charge.

The Hammers were horrific against Brentford last weekend; that kind of performance will only get them destroyed by Arsenal. The two sides have a lot on the line; does that make this the biggest fixture of the weekend?

Who are the players to look out for on Sunday? Jarrod Bowen remains the leading light for the Hammers. Sryscensio Summerville is another player to keep an eye on; the Dutchman has been amazing for the Hammers this season. Arsenal must be wary of him.

At the other end, Bukayo Saka is finding his form at the right time. With two goals in two games against Fulham and Atletico, the Arsenal talisman will be a threat against West Ham. Viktor Gyokeres was the real deal in Arsenal's last two games. Can he do it again on Sunday?

Verdict: Arsenal to win.