Slaven Bilic was given the public backing of the West Ham board on Sunday but a run of four straight defeats has left the Hammers just six points clear of the drop zone and sinking fast.
Of course Arsene Wenger has long had the implicit support of Arsenal’s hierarchy but with just three wins in 10, two of which came against non-league sides, the Gunners faithful have grown increasingly restless as their club’s top four hopes have receded.
It should make for an encounter on Wednesday that, even if it is short on quality, does not lack for drama.
TEAM NEWS
Wenger hinted after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City that Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of whom missed the squad, could be available after suffering calf and hamstring injuries.
However Arsenal’s point came at a cost, with defensive lynchpin Laurent Koscielny picking up an Achilles injury.
Petr Cech is also not expected to return from his calf strain whilst Lucas Perez is also in doubt. Wenger confirmed before the City game that Santi Cazorla will not play again this season.
West Ham are also battling a spate of injuries, with defensive rock Winston Reid unlikely to be available.
The Hammers do, however, hope that Michail Antonio might recover ahead of schedule and feature against the Gunners. Diafra Sakho has also declared himself available but having returned from four months on the sidelines after back surgery he would be highly unlikely to start so soon into his recovery.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Arsenal s: Ospina; Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Monreal; Xhaka, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck
West Ham: Randolph; Byram, Fonte, Collins, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble; Ayew, Lanzini, Snodgrass; Carroll
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