Arsenal welcome cross-town rivals West Ham United on Saturday ahead of heading into another international break. Will Mikel Arteta make many changes for this game?
The Gunners won their Champions League game against Olympiakos and looked quite comfortable. It will not be as easy against the Hammers who seem to be rejuvenated after the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo.
David Raya was instrumental in the north Londoners keeping a clean sheet on Wednesday and will be hoping to get another one this weekend. As for the full backs there will be two changes with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori coming in for Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
As for the centre backs, it is going to be the preferred duo of William Saliba and Gabriel who will have to keep an eye on Jarrod Bowen in particular. Though there is a chance for Arteta to make use of Cristhian Mosquera, it is likely that he goes with the usual combination.
In midfield, one player that is sure to come in is Declan Rice who will be replacing Mikel Merino. Along with the Englishman, it will be Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi. The captain looked in excellent form in the midweek game as his influence in all areas of the pitch was quite evident.
As for the wingers, there will be two changes with both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard dropping to the bench. That will see Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze come into the starting XI. This will give the hosts more creativity and that will be needed against a team coached by someone who is very well known for his team’s organisational prowess.
Viktor Gyokeres who has been impressive without scoring in the last two games will start as the central striker again. It is clear to see how the Swede is starting to gel with his new teammates and that is great news for Arteta and the Gunners.
Arsenal know that they have to keep winning if they want to keep in touch with Liverpool. And racking up as many points as possible at home is a good way to do that. Beating West Ham will not be easy but Arteta would be confident that it can be done.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against West Ham United (4-3-3):
David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard
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