Arsenal vs West Ham: Predicted lineup as Arteta faces injury dilemma

Mikel Arteta faces some tough decisions as Arsenal host West Ham United.

Premier League football is back. While fans were treated to a great World Cup tournament and the best final in a long time, Arsenal fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of English domestic football, where they host West Ham United this evening.

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As far as the Gunners are concerned, they will not be taking this fixture lightly. They are having a much better season than the Hammers, but Mikel Arteta is never one to rest on his laurels. Here is how I predict Arsenal to lineup against West Ham…

Arsenal predicted lineup – Goalkeeper and Defence

Between the sticks, there only seems to be one man. Both Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner went to Qatar for the World Cup but Ramsdale was not used once by England in their early exit. Therefore, Ramsdale gets the nod.

Ben White also did not feature for England and came home early, so he is fully rested and ready to start against West Ham. On the other side, Kieran Tierney will start at left-back with Oleksandr Zinchenko not fully ready as he nears his injury comeback. Gabriel will start at centre-back but he may be without his usual partner William Saliba, who was in the France squad for the World Cup – Rob Holding will get the nod alongside Gabriel.

Arsenal predicted lineup – Midfield

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey both exited their World Cup campaigns early but this worked in Arsenal’s favour. It will be a usual holding partnership as Xhaka and Partey retain their place. Further forward, Martin Odegaard will play as he did not play in the World Cup.

Arsenal predicted lineup – Attack

This is where things are a little more complicated for Mikel Arteta. Gabriel Jesus is injured, so he needs someone to fill this void. For me, it is a no-brainer that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will start.

Given Mikel Arteta’s comments about Eddie Nketiah, I expect the Englishman to start as Arsenal’s number 9.

Arsenal’s predicted lineup: Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka; Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli.