Predicted Arsenal XI to face West Ham in the Premier League
Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Blackpool after a 4-1 demolition of Fulham in the Premier League on New Year’s Day.
Unai Emery’s men currently sit 5th in the standings, three points behind Chelsea and they will be looking to bag all three points when they make the trip to east London to face West Ham on Saturday.
West Ham rescued a point against Brighton with a 2-2 draw courtesy of Marko Arnautovic’s brace and the Hammers will be looking to get something out of this game after losing 3-1 to the Gunners in the reverse fixture at the Emirates earlier in the season.
Team News
Unai Emery has plenty of injuries to contend with heading into the weekend clash. Nacho Monreal, Shkodran Mustafi and Hector Bellerin are still recovering from their injuries and their selection will be subject to a late fitness test. Rob Holding (knee), Danny Welbeck (ankle), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (ankle) and Konstantinos Mavropanos are all ruled out while Mesut Ozil is doubtful to feature due to a knee problem.
Manager: Unai Emery
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted XI
1. Bernd Leno (GK)
The German wasn’t in the squad for the FA Cup fixture but he should replace Petr Cech between the sticks for this one.
2. Stephan Lichtsteiner (RB)
The veteran played in an unfamiliar centre-back role against Blackpool but he will be expected to feature on the right on Saturday.
3. Sokratis (CB)
He started the FA Cup fixture and will be expected to be amongst the starters for the game against West Ham.
4. Laurent Koscielny (CB)
He is likely to return to the line-up after being rested against Blackpool and he will have his work cut out against a potent West Ham attack.
5. Sead Kolasinac (LB)
The Bosnian has done pretty well in recent weeks, solid at the back and lively in the attacking third.
6. Lucas Torreira (CDM)
The Uruguayan should be fresh and ready to start after being rested for the FA Cup tie.
7. Granit Xhaka (CDM)
The Swiss international was not a part of the squad that played in the FA Cup but he will be expected to return to the eleven on Saturday.
8. Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RW)
The youngster had a great outing against Blackpool and Emery should hand him another start to allow him to grow in confidence.
9. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
He was not a part of the squad for the FA Cup tie but Emery should hand him a start against West Ham in the Premier League.
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10. Aaron Ramsey (CAM)
The Welshman played in a holding role against Blackpool but Emery will be expected to field him in a playmaking role to cover for Ozil’s absence.
11. Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman came on as a substitute against Blackpool but he will be expected to spearhead the attack on Saturday.
