Arsenal head into another London derby on Wednesday when West Ham United visit the Emirates, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.
After a much needed win over Southampton, how will Mikel Arteta respond with his team selection?. The Gunners are in the race for the fourth spot and are one of the four teams that stand a chance to finish there.
Leading the pack are the Hammers who are having a great season of their own. Beating them is not going to be easy considering the fact that the visitors have already defeated Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
As for the team news, the only absentee is Sead Kolasinac who is out for a long time. But the bigger story is to do with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has been stripped of his role as the captain. The club confirmed this in a statement and said that the striker will not be available for selection.
Getting back to the starting XI, the defence picks itself and they had a good outing against Southampton. Aaron Ramsdale will continue in goal and would do well to add another clean sheet to his collection. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney should start as the full backs and will have their hands full with the West Ham attackers.
The centre back pairing of Ben White and Gabriel need to be at the top of their game to stop Michail Antonio from influencing the game too much. If they can do that, it will help the north Londoners get the three points.
In the centre of midfield, the partnership of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka helped the team deal with the intense pressing of the Saints. Against David Moyes’ men, they will have to keep the ball moving quickly to help build attacks. This has to be the duo that Mikel Arteta would want to play in the middle.
Despite how impressive Gabriel Martinelli has been in the last few games, he may give way for a returning Emile Smith Rowe. The Englishman missed the weekend’s game, but his driving runs from midfield could be preferred on the left wing. Rounding up the attack is Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. The Norwegian has found his scoring touch and would want to add his tally.
Up front, with Aubameyang deemed not available, the striker’s role should fall to Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman is good at helping the Gunners keep hold of the ball and if he is clinical in front of goal, the Emirates could get to see a home victory. Arsenal need to get this win if they are to put pressure on the teams above them.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against West Ham United (4-2-3-1):
Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Alexandre Lacazette
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