Arsenal face a visit across the pond to face their London rivals West Ham in the Premier League tomorrow afternoon. Following the triumph in their recent derby against Tottenham, Mikel Arteta will be full of confidence going into this one.
However, playing against the Hammers is never an easy task, he will be aware. Particularly this season, where the London side are in fifth place of the English top flight.
Arsenal also have their share of injury concerns, with Bukayo Saka a doubt and Willian likely not to play. So, Arteta will need to adjust his XI in a way that will paper over the cracks.
Here’s how Arsenal should lineup against West Ham
Arsenal predicted lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Mari, Luiz, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey, Smith Rowe; Odegaard, Aubameyang, Pepe
So, it’s still a relatively strong lineup. Particularly when you consider the players who are showing great form; Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney to name the main two.
Arsenal will go into this match as slight underdogs given their current league position and the great form West Ham are showing. However, we know that in the London derby, form can quickly be blown out of the window. After all, it was for the Gunners against Spurs.
Given the hefty run of fixtures Arteta has coming up, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sway slightly away from this lineup, but this is the strongest available to him at the moment. However, if the likes of Cedric or Elneny were to be introduced, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Arsenal’s squad players are showing good form whenever they’re selected anyway.
A win is a must for Arsenal, especially since Luiz revealed recently they are still fighting for a top four finish in the Premier League. Three points could bring them up to ninth place depending on how the fixtures around them go.
How do you think Arsenal should lineup in this match?