Arsenal vs. West Ham: Time, Channel, Odds

Wenger’s side have maintained that momentum throughout pre-season and will be hoping for a stronger start for their potential title challenge.

Bilic has left several first-team players at home, despite effectively needing a win following last week’s 2-2 draw at Upton Park, as he keeps one eye on Sunday’s Premier League opener at Arsenal.

None of the team that started the first leg has travelled to Romania and, of the players here, only Kevin Nolan, Carl Jenkinson and Manuel Lanzini are likely to feature heavily in the forthcoming league campaign.

Arsenal, who sit at 4/1 to win the title, begin their quest for a first championship since 2003/04 on Sunday when they welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium. “I want to be playing in the top competitions”.

Valencia said: “I would like to thank everyone for the support and the affection shown on this hard moment”. “I would have thought that at least two new players, not necessarily before we kick-off but before the window closes [will be signed]”.

Having only seen off Maltese minnows Birkirkara on penalties in the previous round, Bilic has already come in for some criticism from West Ham fans who want to enjoy a Europa League campaign proper after qualifying for the opening rounds through the Fair Play League.

Bilic admits he would have preferred to be in a stronger position following the first leg but knows the physical demands on his squad at such an embryonic stage of the season is something he needs to manage. “If we go through it will be the same”.

“Andy Carroll.has been making great final steps in building up his fitness as he continues his return from a knee injury“, head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke told West Ham’s official website. To continue the positive theme, we have welcomed five players back to first-team training this week following minor injuries.