Predicted Arsenal Lineup To Face West Ham
The horrible start to 2017 continues for Arsenal as they failed to take more than a point from the game against Manchester City at the Emirates. The Gunners have now won just 3 of their last 10 games in all competitions and are 7 points off Manchester City, who are at 4th place, with a game in hand. They have to work really hard to get back into the top-4 and face a tricky test this mid-week when they face West Ham United at home on Wednesday.
The Hammers have now drawn 2 and lost 4 of their last 6 games in the league, dropping to the 14th place, 7 points off the drop zone. Arsenal will hope that they can get the better of their London rivals to start their ascent finally.
Team News
Santi Cazorla and Lucas Perez remain sidelined while Mathieu Debuchy is close to being back in training ahead of this tie. Petr Cech is no closer to a return and is Laurent Koscielny remains out as well, as he was subbed off in the game against City due to an injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey are facing a race to be fit for this tie.
Expected Starting Lineup:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Arsene Wenger
GK – David Ospina
With Cech still out injured, Ospina should keep his place in the side for this tie.
RB – Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard had a torrid time against Leroy Sane in the previous game and will hope to put in a better performance this time around.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi
The senior in the back line in the absence of Koscielny, Mustafi will have a huge role to play against the likes of Andy Carroll.
CB – Gabriel Paulista
The replacement for Koscielny had a decent time against Manchester City and will hope to put in a solid performance against the Hammers.
LB – Nacho Monreal
The first choice left-back for Wenger, Monreal is expected to start his 2nd game in less than 4 days.
CM – Francis Coquelin
Coquelin struggled against a fluid City and will be determined to have a good game against Bilic’s side.
CM – Granit Xhaka
Though Xhaka hasn’t really settled in England, his potential is something that is worth waiting for. He will look to end the season on a high and the attempt may begin from the game against West Ham.
RW – Theo Walcott
The pacy winger opened the scoring for the Gunners in the previous game and will hope to put in a similar performance against the Hammers.
CAM – Mesut Ozil
He was easily one of the best Arsenal players against Manchester City in the previous game and Wenger will need the German to be at his best to kill Slaven Bilic’s side.
LW – Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez was exciting to watch against City and will look to be at his usual self this mid-week.
ST – Danny Welbeck
Though he was not productive in the previous game, Welbeck is expected to lead the attacking line for Arsenal.