CONFIRMED LINE-UP:White starts, 3 big changes | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs West Ham with Partey decision made

They struggled to break the deadlock until Mikel Merino’s heroics off the bench as a makeshift striker.

The Spanish midfielder scored a quick-fire brace to seal a victory for the London giants.

Arsenal are now eight points behind leaders Liverpool, but they have a game in hand.

A win over the Hammers can pile extra pressure on the Reds ahead of their tricky game against Manchester City on the road tomorrow.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has been an undisputed starter in the Premier League this campaign, keeping nine clean sheets. He will be eyeing another shut-out.

The defence could see one change with Jurrien Timber being rested. Manager Mikel Arteta said Ben White is ‘ready to play‘. He could start at right-back.

William Saliba is expected to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the backline. Myles Lewis-Skelly should continue at left-back ahead of Riccardo Calafiori.

Thomas Partey was far from his best against the Foxes last weekend. He admitted the same.

The Ghanaian was prone to losing possession from the number six role. The Foxes almost scored from one of those. Lewis-Skelly saved his blushes with a last-ditch clearance.

We won’t be surprised if Jorginho gets the nod to start over Partey.

The rest of the midfield should stay the same. Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are poised to start. The duo have extra attacking responsibility in the absence of a specialist striker.

Ethan Nwaneri was simply sensational from the right wing last weekend. He won a stunning 12 duels and completed six dribbles last weekend aside from his crucial assist.

The youngster was also unlucky to hit the woodwork twice. He is expected to continue as the right-sided winger.

Raheem Sterling, on the other hand, looked a shadow of himself from the left wing and was regularly caught offside.

The Englishman could be dropped from the XI. We prefer Leandro Trossard playing from his regular left-wing role, where he is more effective in creating chances and scoring goals.

Merino is a no-brainer solution as the main striker, having scored two unexpected goals off the bench last weekend. The Spaniard has the chance to make the position his own.