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Having flirted with a damaging late-season slump, Arsenal have found their footing at the most critical juncture.
Consecutive Premier League victories following their defeat at the Etihad Stadium have heaped pressure back on Manchester City, and the Cityzens crumbled on Merseyside. While Arsenal's advantage could be cut to two points by Sunday's kickoff, they'll be well aware that a victory would be monumental for their Premier League title ambitions.
The Champions League finalists will even have Tottenham Hotspur fans cheering them on when they travel to the London Stadium.
'No Chance' of Two Players Returning
"No chance for them this weekend," Mikel Arteta stated on Friday when questioned about the prospect of Jurriën Timber and Mikel Merino potentially featuring this weekend.
Timber has been out of action since the memorable win over Everton in March, while Merino had foot surgery at the beginning of the year. Arteta conceded he is uncertain whether either player will feature again before the season concludes.
Fans will be hoping both are available for the Champions League final on May 30.
Aside from those two, Arsenal have a clean bill of health. This is a pivotal fixture for the Gunners, though Tuesday's second leg against Atlético Madrid will have taken a significant toll on Arteta's squad. Squad rotation remains a key consideration for the Arsenal manager.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. West Ham (4-2-3-1)
GK: David Raya—The Spaniard is already guaranteed at least a share of his third straight Golden Glove award. A clean sheet on Sunday would see him claim it outright.
RB: Cristhian Mosquera—Ben White was one of Arsenal's understated performers midweek, though Arteta does have an option in Timber's absence should the Englishman need a rest.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba wasn't entirely imperious last time out, and West Ham's attackers will press and harass relentlessly throughout this weekend's encounter.
CB: Gabriel—Gabriel was dominant from set-pieces at the London Stadium last season, and Arsenal face a side that has conceded a league-high 15 goals from corners this campaign.
LB: Piero Hincapié—The versatile defender showcased his quality in possession last time out, delivering a dangerous cross that Viktor Gyökeres should have converted to eliminate Atléti. It remains a close call between him and Riccardo Calafiori for the left-back berth in east London.
CM: Declan Rice—A full-circle moment awaits Rice, who could take a significant stride toward the Premier League title at his former home ground.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—The Spaniard has lost his place to Myles Lewis-Skelly, and there's no certainty he'll be recalled to the starting XI on Sunday.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Saka looks rejuvenated and only played around an hour during the week, so the winger should be ready to start on Sunday. He has registered more Premier League goal involvements against West Ham (nine) than against any other side.
AM: Eberechi Eze—Arsenal's No. 10 was substituted at the same time as Saka on Tuesday, but he appears to have edged ahead of captain Martin Ødegaard in the creative hierarchy. Eze also has a fondness for scoring in London.
LW: Leandro Trossard—Gabriel Martinelli has seen his involvement reduced in the latter stages of the season, while Eze has only been deployed sparingly on the left flank. As a result, Trossard, a player Arteta trusts greatly, looks set to start on the left side.
ST: Kai Havertz—Gyökeres was outstanding on Tuesday and could certainly benefit from some rest this weekend. Arsenal can call upon Havertz once more, even though he was an unused substitute against Atléti.