Ashton: Three in three

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Prediction:
West Ham 1 Arsenal 1

One to watch: Cesc Fabregas

Sky Bet odds: West Ham 11/4, Draw 9/4, Arsenal 5/6

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A rampant Arsenal side travel to Upton Park on Saturday to face West Ham United, a team that have caused The Gunners problems in the past.

The Hammers are chasing a fourth successive Premier League victory over their rivals, so Arsenal will need to be on top of their game if they are to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

With the pantomime surrounding Thierry Henry's departure finally tailing off, Arsene Wenger's men have blossomed and now top the league by two points.

The most partisan of Arsenal supporters may not have predicted such a storming start to the campaign, but after such a bright beginning there is now an air of optimism surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile West Ham have shown flashes of their potential, a recuperated Dean Ashton is regaining his sharpness, while on paper Alan Curbishley's squad demonstrates quality and depth.

Hleb doubt

For the time being Arsene Wenger is faced with the easy decision of keeping Manuel Almunia between the sticks, but the clock is ticking on Jens Lehmann's return from an elbow injury.

In defence William Gallas is still unavailable, so Philippe Senderos is likely to deputise alongside Kolo Toure.

Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky is yet to recover from his hamstring injury, so Abou Diaby should fill in on the left flank.

Croatian forward Eduardo da Silva has been ruled out of the clash with a groin problem, meaning Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor are the likely pairing to start up front.

Alex Song will not be included in the squad after he picked up a calf problem, while the only other injury doubt surrounds Alexander Hleb.

The midfielder is struggling with a knee injury, and Wenger is likely to make a late decision on the Belarus international.

Ashton Bellamy combo

For West Ham, Curbishley has hinted that he may tinker with his side ahead of the encounter against Arsenal.

In their last Premier League match they demonstrated some sloppy defending and succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Newcastle United.

Curbishley then rotated his starting XI for the Carling Cup victory over Plymouth, bringing in Scott Parker, Freddie Ljungberg, Danny Gabbidon and Luis Boa Morte.

Parker could be in line for another start with Curbishley likely to opt for a midfield man who can restrict the creative Cesc Fabregas.

Craig Bellamy faces a late fitness test over his groin strain, but if fit he should partner Ashton up front.