Arsenal breezed past Sheffield United in the Premier League this weekend but next up, they have a slightly tougher test in the form of West Ham United.
The Gunners head across London to take on the Hammers in Round four of the EFL Cup and given the form, they are in right now, this one should be an easy win for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Arsenal haven’t lost to West Ham United in their last eight meetings while the Hammers are winless in their previous four matches. The last time these two sides met was back in April and West Ham managed to hold Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in that game and we don’t think there’s any major chance of an upset this week. Yes, Mikel Arteta is going to make wholesome changes to his starting line up but still, it’s hard to see the home side coming out with a win.
Arsenal’s injuries and possible rotations:
Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Jesus are the three players ruled out with various injuries and neither of them will be fit any time soon.
After this midweek EFL Cup tie, Arsenal will take on Newcastle United in the league next weekend and that’s a crucial tie so Mikel Arteta is going to rest most of his important players at the London Stadium.
Aaron Ramsdale has fallen down the pecking order since Raya’s arrival but the England international should get a start this week. As per rumours, Arteta is ready to sell Ramsdale next year so the keeper has to make every opportunity count.
Gabriel was rested at the weekend so he will come back into the side while Ben White should be rested, allowing Tomiyasu to come in.
Martin Odegaard and Jorginho were both used subs in the 5-0 win over Sheffield so they will come into the XI which means Declan Rice and Kai Havertz will be rested. Elneny will be pushing for a start but we think the manager is going to use Fabio Vieira as his third midfielder.
Odegaard had a minor knock which is why he wasn’t used at the weekend but he should be fit for the fourth-round clash.
The Arsenal manager said, via Football.London: “Martin has been as well carrying a little thing that wasn’t very comfortable in the games. So we have players with enormous quality and we have to choose and we believe that it was the right day to do so.”
Gabriel Jesus’ injury setback means Eddie Nketiah will hold onto his place but Martinelli will be rested because the Arsenal manager is going to use Leandro Trossard on the left flank.
Bukayo Saka is playing constantly so he deserves a rest but at the same time, Mikel Arteta will want at least one first-team regular in his front line in midweek.
Arsenal predicted line up vs West Ham United:
Predicted Starting line up(4-3-3): Ramsdale; Zinchenko, Gabriel, William Saliba; Jorginho, Odegaard, Fabio Vieira; Trossard, Nketiah, Bukayo Saka/Nelson.
