The league leaders return to the Emirates with the hopes of continuing their sensational run in the league which sees them top the rest of the bunch by five points and celebrated Christmas at the top for the first time since 2007.

The Gunners beat Wolves 2-0 in their last League game before the break with Martin Oedegaard scoring twice in the second half; favors from fellow London side Brentford against the champions meant the Gunners went five points clear and all they’ll dream now is consolidation.

Westham endured a difficult start to the season but David Moyes remains adamant that his team is not in the relegation battle and that fans will see a different Hammers side once the league restart after the World Cup break.

It’s a brave and ambitious statement considering the fact that the Hammers only sit one point above Nottingham Forest in 18^thand a loss against the league leaders on Monday could spell doom again, especially if surrounding teams pick points.

Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus that picked up a knee problem at the World Cup and subsequently went under the knife; that explains the rumored moves for Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on loan to bridge the gap.

Westham also have Gianlucca Scamacca struggling for fitness and Michail Antonio also battling some bugs around his heels, leaving Jarrod Bowen as the likely option upfront on Monday. The Hammers will need to show workings if they want to survive Arsenal’s attack.

The Gunners welcomed back all their World Cup contingents and it’s left to be seen how many of them would be able to make the starting eleven. Watch out for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddy Nketiah who will definitely come in for Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal beat Westham home and away last season and the Gunners also have a good Boxing Day record, is it a good time for anyone to face Mikel Arteta’s side?

Verdict: Arsenal to win