Arsenal will be hosting West Ham United at the Emirates amidst news that Arsene Wenger will be stepping down as their manager at the end of the season. The news has taken a lot of concentration away from the game and towards their manager but the Gunners know that this will be an important one for them.
West Ham, on the other hand, has got some breathing space between them and the relegation zone as they are six points clear off it. However, there’s still work to be done by the Hammers as they will need 3-4 points more to confirm their survival in the Premier League for another year.
Arsenal has been concentrating on the Europa League lately and has been playing a weaker side in the Premier League. One cannot blame them for that as they are out of contention in the top 4 race and winning Europa League is the only way they can make the Champions League next year.
They are coming on the back of a defeat against Newcastle United. The Gunners have failed to accumulate a single point away from home this year. However, they have done well at home recently and will be expected to see off the Hammers.
Long-term absentee Santi Cazorla is set to miss the tie along with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who might be rested with the Europa League Semifinal clash in mind.
Here is how they will most likely lineup
Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Ospina is back from the injury but Wenger is expected to go with the experienced Petr Cech in goal. Mustafi and Koscielny will form the centre-back pairing. Bellerin was rested in the previous game against Newcastle and he will be expected to be back in the eleven. Monreal will play in the usual left back role to complete the back four.
Midfield
Wilshere might go through a late fitness test and he might not be 100 percent to start. With a Europa League game looming, Wilshere will most likely be rested this weekend. Granit Xhaka will be expected to do a job in midfield and he will be partnered by Aaron Ramsey. Ramsey suffered a gash on his shin in the previous game but is back in training and will partner Xhaka in the middle of the park.
Attacking output from midfield will come from Iwobi, Ozil and Welbeck.
Attack
Aubamaeyang is expected to start over Lacazette. He has already scored 6 goals in the Premier League since joining Arsenal. If things don’t work out as planned for Wenger, he can always bring Lacazette off the bench to bring more attacking threat for the opposition.
