Arsenal are set to clash with West Ham United in their new London Stadium on Wednesday. Arsene Wenger’s side are currently sitting in the 5th spot of the Premier League behind Liverpool. They were held to a 1-1 draw to Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium and dropped crucial points in their pursuit of the top four spot.
Their current campaign has not exactly improved over their last season finish in the 6th spot of the Premier League. With Manchester City breaking away from the rest of the pack with an 11 point lead, a title challenge might just be a bit unrealistic at this point. With hard eyes set on the Europa League trophy and the domestic cups, Wenger’s ambitions lie on earning themselves a return to the Champions League next season.
Arsenal’s struggle away from home is evident in their 8 away games in the Premier League where they have only secured 8 points so far. Facing heavy contention from Tottenham and Liverpool for a European league spot, they might have to start improving in this particular area in order to keep their ambitions alive.
Coming off a draining game on the weekend, Arsene Wenger might still field the same side against West Ham. Under newly appointed manager, David Moyes, the Hammers are high in spirits after their 1-0 win against Chelsea in the previous fixture and will be looking to derive the same result if not better.
Shifting from the traditional back 4 Wenger is expected to field his players in the 3-4-3 formation.
Defence
With David Ospina mostly playing in the Europa League and domestic cup matches, Petr Cech might resume his usual duties in front of the goal from the starting lineup.
Per Mertesacker disappointed in the previous fixture and had to be taken off in the 64th minute. However, with the loss of Shkrodan Mustafi to injury he might start again in the centre back position with Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal alongside him. The defensive trio is still adjusting to the newly adopted gameplay with a lot of shaky performances at the back.
Midfield
Aaron Ramsey, unfortunately, has been ruled out for the mid-week clash. This might be the perfect opportunity for Jack Wilshere to return to the starting lineup, but Wenger might play it safe and field Francis Coquelin alongside Granit Xhaka. Wilshere is expected to make a substitute appearance in the second half.
Hector Bellerin is predicted to take up the right flank with Sead Kolasinac on the left. Both crucial on both ends of the pitch.
Attack
Mesut Ozil is currently in phenomenal form and was the best player for the team in their previous fixture. He has been working tirelessly for the side to create attacks from every position possible. Wenger is expected to field him in the free-flowing right wing position again to fall back and deliver the ball to Alexis Sanchez and Lacazette. Alex Iwobi and Olivier Giroud might make a substitute appearance to reduce the workload and provide a fresh boost of energy when fatigue starts to creep in after the first half.
