Arsenal-West Ham United Preview

Oct 23, 2009 - 4:50 PM JAMES PIERCY STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Arsene Wenger has claimed Arsenal can end their five-year trophy drought this season ahead of Sunday's London derby at West Ham.

The Gunners have not lifted silverware since defeating Manchester United on penalties in the 2005 FA Cup final.

Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League \2013 only four points off the top \2013 and unbeaten in the Champions League.

Wenger told shareholders at the club's AGM: "We have been very close and I believe this year we will do it.

"When I say that it is not to please anyone but because I am really convinced of it.

"This season we are ready to go for it in the Premier League, the Champions League and both the cups.

"We are in October and we know it will be very tight but it will come down to how resilient, consistent, intelligent and united we are at the end."

Wenger, whose side travel to Upton Park bidding for a seventh win in their last nine games, says Arsenal are feeling the benefits of five years hard work.

The Frenchman added: "There is a magic in our sport and our club.

"We have developed the team over four or five years to how we want.

"A team is easier to develop if they are grown up inside the club from 16, even younger, because they learn to love the club and what it represents.

"It is essential we maintain our values in the club. You cannot be a big club and have a small culture. You have to have a desire to see quality in what we do."

Wenger is likely to hand goalkeeper Manuel Almunia a recall after recovering from the virus that has kept him out for six weeks.

Midfielder Jack Collison says Arsenal's visit is the perfect game for West Ham to kick-start their season.

The Hammers are second from bottom in the Premier League after failing to win since beating Wolves at Molineux on the opening weekend.

Wales international Collison said: "In my opinion this is just the kind of game we need.

"We are the underdogs, nobody is expecting us to do well against Arsenal but the spirit is very high and we are going to be working very hard.

"It could be a surprise and certainly we are going to give it our best shot."

Collison insists it is only a matter of time before Gianfranco Zola's men start climbing the table.

He added: "If we keep performing well then sooner or later We are going to get the points we deserve.

"We are very close. You can smell it, you sense it is very close.

"We just need the victory that would guarantee a little more comfort to the players and a little bit of confidence. Everything should be starting to work in the right direction again."

West Ham have midfielder Scott Parker available again after serving a one-match ban.