Arsenal Wenger’s Arsenal picked up a much-needed victory at the weekend, as a solitary goal from Mesut Ozil gave them all three points against Newcastle United. They have no time to rest, as they are back in action this Tuesday in the League Cup, where they welcome West Ham United to the Emirates, in the second clash between the two sides in less than a week.
The Hammers held Arsenal to a draw in the domestic league, and will look to do one better in the quarter-final of the League Cup, but Arsene Wenger has a lot of quality at his disposal and is expected to field a strong side, even with a game against Liverpool on Friday looming large. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Arsenal will be without Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey for this game against West Ham. However, both Theo Walcott and Shkodran Mustafi could yet be declared fit for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defense:
Petr Cech has been effective on goal for Arsenal this season but he has not been preferred for the League Cup, which could see David Ospina take his place on goal for this game. Young Rob Holding is struggling for first-team game time this season. However, this knockout tie will give him a chance to shine, starting on the right side of the CB partnership.
Skipper Laurent Koscielny might be given a break, which could see Calum Chambers get a chance to start at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Young Maitland Niles did a superb job at wing back at the weekend and should keep his place on the left wing, this time as a full-back. Mathieu Debuchy has done well whenever called upon and could start at right-back.
Midfield:
Granit Xhaka has been decent this season for Arsenal in the middle of the park and deserves a rest. He could be replaced by Francis Coquelin, who did a tremendous job in the Europa League tie, not so long ago. He should be partnered with Mohamed Elneny, who will add some stability to the Arsenal midfield.
Jack Wilshere will start as a part of the midfield but is expected to take up an advanced role.
Attack:
Olivier Giroud scored equalizer against Southampton last weekend and has been one of the most productive players for Arsenal this season. He is expected to lead the line against West Ham in this tie.
Alex Iwobi, who had a productive time in the last game, could keep his place in the side on the left wing. Danny Welbeck is expected to be given a start, but can only be used on the flank. Theo Walcott, if declared fit, could take Iwobi’s place, and shift to the right flank.
Here is how they might line up:
