I haven't seen Dennis Bergkamp mentioned in this regard yet, but seeing as he was only rested rather than injured for the Bolton game on Saturday, it's reasonable to suppose that he's available. Gilberto could be back too, having missed Bolton with a calf problem. If not, it's looking like Mathieu Flamini and Abou Diaby in the middle of the park, which would provide a big test for the new boy.

We've not heard that Ashley Cole is ready to return yet (the official injury news page still says "end of the month", and Gael Clichy definitely isn't. There are reports that Lauren's dodgy hamstring, a minor problem which was said to be the reason for his missing the Bolton game, has metamorphosed into a more serious knee problem which will see him sidelined for a month or more. So the impressive Kerrea Gilbert continues at right-back and the chances are we'll see Philippe Senderos at left back again.

Jose Reyes has a one-match ban for picking up too many bookings, and Cesc Fabregas serves the last of his 3 suspensions for the sending off at Everton. Pascal Cygan is still injured, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are still in Egypt with the Ivory Coast, and while Emmanuel Adebayor's Togo are now out of the African Cup of Nations, we don't think he's with the Arsenal squad yet. Theo Walcott has joined up with his new team-mates (he was given 10 days off after the move, coinciding with 2 cup games for which he was ineligible anyway) but it'd be a surprise if he featured straight away.

So I'm guessing...
Lehmann; Gilbert, Sol, Djourou, Big Phil;
Freddie, Flamini, Gilberto/Diaby, Pires/Hleb;
Henry, van Persie/Bergkamp

West Ham have Christian Dailly suspended, but keeper Roy Carroll could return from a back injury. Up front, new signing Dean Ashton could well make his debut for the club, having overcome a groin problem which he brought with him from Norwich.

With the transfer window closing today, the Irons have failed in two attempts to strengthen their side. 27 year old Barcelona midfielder Gabri has decided to stay at the Catalan club till the summer. His current contract expires then, so he'll be up for a more lucrative move. He's been struggling to get a place in Frank Rijkaard's side of late, and his ability to play at full-back would have been handy for the Hammers who have just lost Tomas Repka. The other unsuccessful strengthening attempt came when they failed to get Tottenham to take Teddy Sheringham off their hands.

West Ham may be feeling confident. They've won their last 4 games in all competitions. Arsenal will be looking to restore confidence, but more importantly, looking to pick up the points.

Rupe adds...
The official site's preview confirms that Henry, Pires, Bergkamp and Gilberto all return, as well as the injury to Lauren. Wenger says, "... We also have bad news about Lauren, who is out for a while with a knee problem. Let's say it will be one month for him. His knee has swollen up and we have to check what is wrong in there. It is from playing games, although he did not play at Bolton. It is bad news for us because he is one who can play everywhere - right, left, in midfield. Also he is a fantastic player who does not always get credit he deserves. I am very sorry to lose him."

He also says that Ashley Cole will be back "next week at the earliest", and that tomorrow's game comes too soon for either Walcott or Adebayor to make their debuts.