It’s back to the Premiership after a second rampant Champions League win. The side-effects from the match against Porto were felt heavily as we could only manage a draw away at Sunderland so this time we’ll be hoping for a different reaction from the lads. West Ham have had back-to-back disappointing defeats so Gianfranco’s Zola side will surely go out there hoping to cause an upset and go just one point below Arsenal.

According to the official website, both Gallas and Toure are available for Sunday’s match and this comes as a surprise since Kolo had to be sidelined until November. Gallas will of course has a point to prove after the cigarette photo which saw coach Arsene Wenger reacting negatively to it. In the meantime, the coach confirmed the fitness of the two on Arsenal TV Online:

It looks like Kolo Toure and William Gallas will be available while Sagna could be available for Wednesday.

It’s no secret this is a boost following the disaster in the Champions League. I would however still start with Song, using him in that just-ahead-of-the-backline position he played in against Dinamo Kiev in the Champions League. I would take off Denilson, hence giving more freedom to Cesc in midfield. Speaking of Denilson, he just declared he’s happy with his current form and believes Arsenal can be crowned champions:

I am happy with my form but part of my personality is to always want to get better. I know I still have to learn and things to work on. Everyone at Arsenal is the same. We are a very professional team with everyone working hard to improve. And this time I believe we are good enough to win the league. I think our team will be champions.

As for West Ham, they didn’t have a nice run under new coach Gianfranco Zola but they have lost just once in their last six home games, winning four and drawing one. The Italian said ahead of the match:

We have Mark Noble who is going to be out for a few weeks. He just had a tear problem in his calf and that is bad news. But we have Lee Bowyer coming back from injury and James Collins will be available for the game.

It shouldn’t be an easy match, it never is in Upton Park but we’ve shown some nice football lately and with Gallas, Toure and Van Persie all rested and ready for action, hopefully we won’t see many leaks at the back and more goals from our top scorer. As always, I will be hoping to see Carlos Vela in action, I just can’t stop thinking of that Sheffiled hat-trick! As for our rivals, Manchester United are in action away at Everton whilst Chelsea and Liverpool will clash in Sunday’s early match. I predict an easy win for United as I hope to see Chelsea and Liverpool share points.