The London Stadium has not always leant itself to intimidating atmospheres, but Konstantinos Mavropanos believes it could come into play when West Ham host Arsenal on Sunday. 

The Hammers, of course, are huge underdogs heading into a Premier League clash that is arguably the most decisive game of the season.

To boo or not to boo, that is the question… 😂

A win for either team at the London Stadium will no doubt send shockwaves at one end of the Premier League table. The title would be in sight if the Gunners win, while three points for West Ham would put major pressure on Tottenham in the relegation battle.

Many are predicting Arsenal to win comfortably on Sunday but Mavropanos believes that home factor could be crucial.

Mavropanos praises West Ham’s home atmosphere

Speaking to West Ham’s official website, the towering Greek defender said: “With these games, when you really show the effort to the fans and give back to them by winning games, then you can feel the energy from them and the atmosphere at the London Stadium was incredible in the last couple of games as well.

“You feel the connection and you’re just trying to give more and more to the team and to the fans because they deserve it as well.

What changes would you make to this team and why? 👀

“They’ve been there through the whole season and they just try to help us from their side as well, so these moments are special.

“Obviously, right now we are not in a good position, but these games [against Manchester City, Wolves and Everton] can be a lesson for us to take into the last three games.

“As I said, having two games at home, the first of them on Sunday, can be a big opportunity for us to give everything we have and get the best out of it.”

The supporters will be needed on Sunday. A hostile atmosphere has to await the Gunners, who are riding the crest of a wave right now.

Clearly, the team’s performance plays a part in that. Still, while frustrations run deep about the way the club is headed more generally right now, all of that needs to be channelled into giving Nuno Espirito Santo’s side a platform for 90 minutes at least.

West Ham United’s home record this season

The myth that the London Stadium is a soulless bowl has been disproven to some extent this season.

While that doesn’t mean all is well at the ground and that ongoing criticism isn’t warranted, West Ham fans have been praised for creating a hostile atmosphere at home.

It is worth mentioning that all of Manchester United, Manchester City, Bournemouth, Everton and Sunderland have failed to win there in recent months.

In fact, West Ham haven’t lost at home in the Premier League since early January.

Across 17 home games this season, West Ham won five times, drawing four and losing the other eight.

That recent home success is perhaps the only thing to cling onto heading into Sunday, so Mavropanos is right to mention it.

The London Stadium has not often been kind to the Irons but it could yet be the scene of a famous and all-important result by close of play on Sunday.