Saturday's key battles: Arsenal v West Ham

Arsenal are hoping to stop the resurgent Hammers in their tracks when Gianfranco Zola's men visit Emirates Stadium on Saturday. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for the game. We will bring you all the statistics and information a fan could need so swot up now and come Saturday. you will be impressing anyone who will listen with your new-found knowledge.

Johan Djourou player profile

Carlton Cole

Johan Djourou v Carlton Cole
The injection of height that Johan Djourou gives the Arsenal defence could see the Swiss stopper keep his place at centre back for the visit of West Ham. After missing much of the early season, the 22-year-old has now completed 90 minutes in eight of the last 10 matches, winning 85 per cent of his tackles and completing 13 clearances along the way. He could line up against the in-form Carlton Cole who is aiming to break Tony Cottee’s record of five goals in five league starts on Saturday. The ex-Chelsea marksman is one of the main benefactors of Zola’s reign, and his 20 tackles, 12 clearances and eight successful dribbles are a testament to the hard work he has put in this season.

Player Profile - Emmanuel Eboue

Herita Ilunga

Emmanuel Eboue v Herita Ilunga
In the continued absence of Theo Walcott, the versatile Emmanuel Eboue could line up on the right of midfield after finishing Wednesday’s game at Everton on that flank. His opponent is West Ham’s on-loan Congolese defender Herita Ilunga who has done his chances of a permanent deal no harm with a string of impressive performances at left back. A solid 61 per cent tackling success rate, 28 clearances and an assist so far this term has made Ilunga an ever-present in the Hammers defence. Eboue, as usual, has played in a number of positions for the Gunners this term but that hasn’t stopped him racking up three assists, 12 successful dribbles and a goal in his 16 appearances.

Abou Diaby player profile

Mark Noble

Abou Diaby v Mark Noble
We can look forward to a real physical battle in the centre of the park on Saturday when Abou Diaby meets Mark Noble. The West Ham youngster has enjoyed a long run in the team under Gianfranco Zola and it has paid off. His enthusiasm caught the eye when he burst onto the Hammers’ scene almost four years ago but he has since refined his game. This season he has succeeded in all five of his dribbles, has registered three assists and notched twice. Diaby’s Boxing Day strike at Aston Villa is still his only goal of the campaign but he trumps Noble in defensive areas, winning eight of his 13 tackles and racking up eight clearances.