BBC pundit Chris Sutton expects Arsenal to drop points when they face West Ham at the Emirates this evening.

The former Blackburn and Chelsea striker believes that the loss of Gabriel Jesus to injury could adversely affect the Gunners’ chances of securing victory:

“Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the table but we are going to find out in the next few weeks whether they really are title contenders, aren’t we? The break probably came at the worst possible time for them, because of the form they were in, and there isn’t a more significant player they could have lost to injury than Gabriel Jesus.”

“People might point at his lack of goals before the World Cup but Jesus is integral to them in the way they press, and with his link-up play. He is irreplaceable, certainly from within their squad, so the seriousness of his injury will probably decide whether they try to make some signings in January. I feel like I have backed West Ham to be better than they have been on plenty of occasions already this season, but the one thing they should be here is tough to beat.”

Sutton has gone for a 1-1 draw, which is a surprising prediction, considering the respective form of the two teams heading into tonight’s encounter.

Of course, the break for the World Cup may have an impact on performance but the Hammers haven’t shown anything this season to suggest they are capable of causing an upset.

David Moyes’ side have lost four of their last five league matches, and find themselves in 16th place, just a point off the dropzone. In contrast, Arsenal have won 12 out of 14.

It might not be an easy game and Mikel Arteta‘s side may need some time to find their feet but you would still back them to get a result.