Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The Gunners welcome the Hammers a week after their disappointing 0-0 Premier League draw at the London Stadium.
Arsene Wenger’s men edged out 1-0 against Newcastle at the weekend in the Premier League. They will be up for a tough task against David Moyes and co, who have enjoyed a recent resurgence. The Hammers come into this game high on confidence after a 3-0 win away at Stoke.
The Hammers have never actually won this competition, but they are within touching distance of the semi-finals, and there is every reason to suggest that they could cause Arsenal some problems.
Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury while Santi Cazorla remains a long-term absentee.
Theo Walcott missed the win over Newcastle with a groin injury but is set to start against West Ham, whereas Wenger has confirmed that he wouldn’t start Shkodran Mustafi despite the German’s availability after recovering from a thigh problem.
With Liverpool set to play at the Emirates on Friday night in the Premier League, expect the Arsenal gaffer to rest his key players.
The Colombian international has been a consistent starter in the Europa League and will start in goal for the Gunners here.
The Frenchman has been plagued by injuries since joining Arsenal from Newcastle United. Debuchy has racked up five starts and has become a regular in Wenger’s second string team, scoring his first goal in four years, against BATE Borisov in the Europa League.
Mertesacker should lead the side and will look to put his dismal outing at Southampton behind and focus on this crucial cup tie.
Elneny has struggled to get game time this season, but whenever he’s got a chance, he has impressed.
Maitland-Niles impressed a lot against Newcastle and the youngster should get another shot, against the Hammers.
The Frenchman has gone into wilderness since Granit Xhaka’s signing. Should be granted a rare start in the heart of the midfield.
Now back to full flow, Wilshere’s quality is unquestionable and was influential in the previous game. He will look to control the proceedings in a similar way.
His work-rate is simply extraordinary and is always keen to make things happen out of nowhere. Coupled with sharp dribbling and quick passing, Iwobi could be a menace against the shaky West Ham defence.
During his Manchester United days, Welbeck often played as a second striker and influenced the game. Wenger would hope that he links up well with the striker and the other two wingers.
Walcott cannot buy a minute of Premier League action at the moment, but the England international is set to start in a much-changed Arsenal team on Tuesday.
Giroud is expected to lead the attack. His presence at the top would mean West Ham defenders have to be extra-cautious during the set-pieces.
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