Predicted Arsenal XI to face West Ham in the Premier League
After a smooth disposing of Fulham in the season opener, a tougher test lies next for Mikel Arteta’s side. West Ham come into the game having lost to Newcastle.
It will be the first home fixture for Arsenal as they look to continue on what was a sublime showing last weekend.
Team News
Arsenal have a glut of injuries to deal with, especially in defence. David Luiz, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari all remain out of contention for the game. Granit Xhaka is doubtful after an ankle injury in the last game.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Martinelli is still out. We can expect to see some changes from the side that lined up against Fulham.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 3-4-3
Bernd Leno (GK)
Leno is now the undisputed starter after Emiliano Martinez’s departure for Aston Villa.
Kieran Tierney (CB)
Adjusting well to his new role, Tierney is likely to continue until one of the other centre-backs becomes available.
Gabriel Magalhaes (CB)
After a shaky start to the game, Gabriel slowly grew into his role. He marked his debut with a goal and will be slotted in the heart of the backline.
Rob Holding (CB)
Mikel Arteta has been holding William Saliba back as too many new faces in defence might cause confusion. Rob Holding gets the nod again.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (LWB)
Playing in an unfamiliar position, Maitland-Niles didn’t do much wrong in the last game. He keeps his place on the left.
Dani Ceballos (CM)
Ceballos is highly likely to start the game instead of coming on from the bench. He replaces Xhaka, who is a doubt for this game.
Mohamed Elneny (CM)
A surprise inclusion last time around, Elneny performed decently. Another start looks to be on the cards.
Hector Bellerin (RWB)
There is simply no better choice than Bellerin and he will keep his place on the right flank.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
After signing a new contract, the Arsenal captain will be hoping to get on the scoresheet again after last week’s sublime strike against Fulham.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
Lacazette got off to a good start to the season after scoring the opening goal. He retains his place in the attack.
Willian (RW)
Willian’s inclusion means Nicolas Pepe misses out. But with the Brazilian in good form, no one can complain.
