Arsenal host West Ham United in their opening Premier League game of the season. The Gunners who have set their sights on the Title, after long last look like they have the required gunpowder to materialize the expectation and finally deliver. On Sunday, they face a West Ham side who were really impressive last season and have further added quality to their squad. Arsene Wenger will make sure that West Ham’s quality won’t be underestimated and will field his best players bar a few who miss out.
Petr Cech
The Czech Republic goalkeeper is in line to make his Arsenal debut against West Ham. Cech’s arrival from title rivals Chelsea has made a world of difference in the Arsenal camp. Arsene Wenger looks to have finally addressed his goalkeeping options by bringing in world class quality and experience in what is a crucial position for Arsenal.
Hector Bellerin
The young Spaniard enjoyed a successful breakthrough season last time around by putting in some brilliant displays, but he now has the opportunity to show how far he has come from last season by providing stiff competition to Mathieu Debuchy and doing the job when called upon. The French international is still considered the club’s first choice right back but may miss out due to low match fitness.
Per Mertesacker
After retiring from International football last season, Mertesacker’s performances for Arsenal have gone from strength to strength but perhaps this may be the season where he will be replaced by Gabriel Paulista. However, Mertesacker is still a valuable option for Arsenal and he gets along very well with partner Laurent Koscielny as the two have a telepathic understanding on the pitch. The German is expected to start against West Ham.
Laurent Koscielny
One of the best defenders in Europe, Koscielny has been nothing but outstanding for Arsenal for the last couple of years. His presence in the team is huge, he has become an indispensable player for Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman is expected to start and continue where he left off last season.
Nacho Monreal
The Spanish international was one of the most improved player last season after having a difficult first season at Arsenal. He took some time to adjust but finally proved his critics wrong last season. He has soon established himself as the leading candidate for the left back spot.
Francis Coquelin
Arsene Wenger’s masterstroke to re-introduce Coquelin to the first eleven paid off. The defensive midfielder seems the real deal for Arsenal as he has been rock solid in the middle of the park, protecting the back four.
Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla’s remarkable form in the second half of last season was one of the positives of last season. The midfielder formed a good partnership with Coquelin and is expected to continue that on Sunday.
Aaron Ramsey
Last season, Aaron Ramsey was frequently deployed on the right wing by Arsene Wenger, Perhaps his presence on the right provides a safe option as far as his defensive duties are concerned. The midfielder looks fit and raring to enter the new season after an injury plagued last season.
Mesut Ozil
The German playmaker will finally be given the green light to play in his favoured No.10 position. His form after his return from injury was crucial in Arsenal’s late run in and he’s expected to have a big season this time around. With Pace in the form of Theo Walcott in front of him, he can surely exploit the best of defenses.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The 21-year old has been a lively and energetic player for a few years now. With the early absence of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez, he has a big chance to show the potentially world class talent we all know he possesses.
Theo Walcott
There’s talk of a big name striker coming in at Arsenal, but Theo Walcott showed promise after his late season form as the main striker upfront. The England international missed the best part of last season through injury, but he’s now fit and is expected to start.