West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola says the timing of their clash with Arsenal is ideal.

West Ham, who are still waiting for their first home win this season, will have midfield player Scott Parker back from suspension against their London rivals and Zola said: "In my opinion it is just the kind of game that we need. We are the underdogs. Nobody is expecting us to do well against Arsenal.

"The spirit of the team is still very high though and it could be a surprise. Certainly we are going to give it our best shot. If we keep performing well then sooner or later we are going to get the points we deserve."