Ljungberg was playing in midfield at Highbury when Arsenal went unbeaten through the 2004 Premier League campaign, and they are playing with similar confidence this season despite the loss of talisman Thierry Henry.

Jens Lehmann's blunder against Blackburn led to their only dropped points of the season, although Hammers boss Curbishley believes they are beatable.

"I don't think anyone goes into a game against them thinking they are invincible," he said. "Fulham were leading with a few minutes to go, Blackburn took a point and Manchester City were only beaten 1-0."

West Ham have good form against Arsenal, defeating them twice last season, and Ljungberg's knowledge has helped preparations for the visit of his former club this weekend.

"We are aware of the things we can do and Arsenal like to do," Curbishley said. "We've had a chat with Freddie about one or two things over there."

Skipper Lucas Neill added: "He will be useful in preparation, to give everyone an idea of movements and things like that. But it's difficult to summarise Arsenal's style because they play what they see."

Wenger's sides have been criticised in the past for putting style over substance but in their last three games they have scored 10 unanswered goals.

"This year has changed a bit," said Curbishley. "They've been a bit more direct in front of goal.

"It hasn't changed their attitude in getting to the box but you've got Cesc Fabregas shooting a bit more, more crosses going in - maybe they've looked at the criticisms and tried to do something about it."

Midfielder Fabregas has helped the club overcome the loss of Henry and he has been in free-scoring form this season, although skipper Neill hopes facing the table-toppers will motivate West Ham.

"Games like this might bring the best out of us and give us the kick up the bum we need," said the defender.

"Manchester United twice last year, Arsenal twice last year, we'll be looking to do the same. History says we will do well, I suppose everyone raises their game."

The only cloud over Arsenal is a degree of uncertainty behind the scenes as Alisher Usmanov increases his stake in the club.

Foreign investors have been attracted to the Premier League and have had their motives questioned, but Curbishley has been delighted with the backing West Ham's new owners since the takeover at Upton Park was completed last season.

"I can understand Arsene's comments where he may feel someone is coming from nowhere to buy the club," said Curbishley.

"We're in a period now where that will change because we have owners coming in who may have no affinity with the club before.

"I know our owners are football men, from the conversations I've had. I know the people here, the fans trust the people here and know they have West Ham at heart."

The current Arsenal board have enjoyed huge success on and off the pitch with Wenger in charge of the team over the past 11 years, which Curbishley appreciates following his efforts on a smaller scale at Charlton.

"Arsene has managed to build a club, from the training ground, the stadium and rebuilding a team," he said.

"He's been there more than 10 years. When you get that longevity like we did at Charlton, we built a stadium and changed the whole thing around and went from 3-4,000 fans to 26,000.

"Short-termism has crept into the game. It's all about now, not the long-term. All the managers understand it."