Declan Rice Arsenal
Declan Rice Arsenal

West Ham United are one of the favourites to finish in the top-four of the Premier League table this season but their hopes took a big blow when they were beaten by Man United last weekend.

The loss means West Ham are now three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea but Moyes’ side still have a game in hand. That gap could widen further though since they now have to take on Arsenal at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The London side have won 5 of their previous six matches at home in the league but they could be in line to suffer another loss since Arsenal have been in very decent form over the past few months.

David Moyes’ does have a few injury concerns to deal with but he will see the return of Jesse Lingard into the starting line-up and this is a great boost for the Hammers boss. The fans will be hoping to see nothing but a win on Sunday but the manager might have to take a more cautious approach and even a point will not be the end of the world for his side.

West Ham United vs Arsenal:

Moyes used a three-man backline vs Man United last week with Dawson, Cresswell and Diop playing at the heart of the defence. But the manager should revert back to his usual formation this time around.

Cresswell will move to left-back as Diop and Dawson partner in central defence. Ryan Fredericks is recovering from a groin injury and he will go through a late fitness test to see if he is available for the Arsenal game or not. If he is not ready then Coufal will play at right-back.

Angelo Ogbonna remains sidelined with an ankle injury and he’s not going to be back for this weekend’s clash.

Declan Rice will be partnered by Soucek in central midfield but it’s the fitness of Fornals that will be seriously worrying the West Ham United boss. The 25-year-old is out with a groin strain and could miss Sunday’s game vs the Gunners.

 

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If Pablo Fornals is not available then Manuel Lanzini will get a rare start as the attacking midfielder.

Jesse Lingard coming back into the side means the loanee will operate on the left-hand side of attack with Bowen playing on the other flank. Michael Antonio will play as the centre-forward.

West Ham’s predicted line-up vs Arsenal:

Predicted Starting Line-up: Fabiański; Dawson, Diop, Cresswell, Coufals; Declan Rice, Soucek, Lanzini; Jesse Lingard, Antonio, Bowen.

West Ham United predicted XI-min

 

Injury updates via Premier Injuries.

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