West Ham vs Arsenal has Premier League and Champions League hopes riding on the result. So can the Hammers do their first double over the Gunners since 2006-07?

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Back on the opening weekend of the Barclays Premier League season, Arsenal had 62 per cent possession and 22 shots, but lost 2-1 to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.

Typical Arsenal, thought football fans. That result, however, was huge for the Hammers, even if they did not know it yet.

It started a run for Slaven Bilic that saw his side also win away at Liverpool and Manchester City, claiming three scalps in as many games, as Dimitri Payet introduced himself to English football.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic pictured celebrating their win over Arsenal at the Emirates in August

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (right) pictured with his head in his hands during their defeat by West Ham

West Ham are aiming for their first double in the Premier League over Arsenal since 2006-07

Eight months on, and Saturday's London derby between West Ham and Arsenal has a lot more riding on it than just the usual bragging rights at Upton Park.

If West Ham lose, they will, in all likelihood, not qualify for Champions League football as it would give the two Manchester clubs a chance to pull away.  

If Arsenal lose, they will be all but out of the Premier League title race - if they aren't already. 

Welcome to the business end of the season, where failing to win can be unforgiving.

This is West Ham's third London derby on the trot, having drawn against Crystal Palace and Chelsea in their last two games, with both ending 2-2.

A draw, however, is not inviting to either side, so this is set to be do or die for both.

If West Ham are to qualify for Europe's elite competition and Arsenal compete with Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur to be crowned champions, then winning is a must.

It is 10 years since West Ham last won at home against Arsenal, when Wenger and then-manager Alan Pardew had a touchline bust-up after Marlon Harewood's late winner in November 2006. 

This will be their last chance to do so at Upton Park before moving to the Olympic Stadium, making it even more special for both sides. 

The way the fixtures fall this weekend, a win would see West Ham go above Manchester United, who do not play until Sunday at Tottenham - another team who cannot afford to drop points.

West Ham star Dimitri Payet pictured during their training session at Chadwell Heath on Thursday

It is 10 years since West Ham last won at home against Arsenal but they can change that on Saturday

West Ham manager Bilic pictured during training as he prepares his side for the visit of Arsenal on Saturday

The Hammers have the best record in Premier League for London derbies this season after picking up 14 points from seven games - and it's no secret who they will hope is in the mood on Saturday.

Payet is a Player of the Year contender alongside Riyad Mahrez at Leicester, having been involved in 23 goals in all competitions - 13 more than any other West Ham player. 

Wenger this week admitted he kept tabs on the 29-year-old for a 'long, long time' before he signed for West Ham - and his decision to not go for him could come back to bite the Arsenal boss.

'I've looked at him many times,' Wenger said. 'I've known him for a long time. He played at Saint-Etienne and we watched him many times.'

It was down to the number of attacking midfielders he already had at Arsenal that Wenger decided against making a move for Payet, but his loss has been Bilic's gain.

West Ham are getting every penny's worth from their £10.7million purchase from Marseille and, with a fully-fit squad to choose from, they will be up for this London derby.

The last time West Ham managed to do the double over Arsenal was in 2006-07 but, in this clash between third and sixth, now is as good a time as any for them to inflict two beatings on their neighbours from north London.