Following a midweek triumph over Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League, Arsenal shift their attention to the Premier League as they face West Ham on Sunday. While the Gunners have every reason to prioritise cup football over everything else, Mikel Arteta will be well aware of the fact that a win this weekend could put his side back into the mix of qualifying for European football next season.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs West Ham United
Defence
David Luiz and Gabriel Magalhaes have become mainstays in the Arsenal backline recently, dwarfing Pablo Mari and Rob Holding. As the fixture list eases for the Gunners, Arteta won’t have any reason to change that combination against West Ham, with the Spaniard hoping that the duo would secure a much-needed clean sheet against the Hammers.
There could be one change at right-back, though, with Cedric Soares replacing Hector Bellerin. The two players have mostly been rotated in recent weeks and this weekend should be no exception, while similarly, Kieran Tierney should continue at left-back, primarily due to no available alternatives, following the departure of both Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan.
Lastly, Bernd Leno should retain his place in the goal, ahead of Mathew Ryan and Runar Alex Runarsson. West Ham could be a test for the German, who is hoping to retain back to back clean sheets in all competitions.
Midfield
Mohamed Elneny should make way for Thomas Partey as part of Arteta’s rotation policy. The return of the Ghanaian international should offer more protection to the backline while his midfield partner in Granit Xhaka will be dealt with the responsibility of rotating the possession and helping Arsenal dominate the game in the middle of the park.
Dani Ceballos interestingly appeared as an attacking midfielder against Olympiacos, though that will be reverted on Sunday, with Martin Odegaard reclaiming his preferred role in the number ten position.
Attack
In the attacking unit, Bukayo Saka is a doubt heading into this game, which might pave the way for Nicolas Pepe to continue on the right flank while Emile Smith Rowe may also continue on the opposite flank, after starring in the win over Tottenham last time out.
It leaves Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to spearhead the Arsenal attack once again, although Arteta also has the option of starting with Alexandre Lacazette. It could, in turn, see Aubameyang appear out wide, at the likely expense of either Pepe or Smith Rowe.
