Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs West Ham United: Ben White Returns for Gunners
How Arsenal Have Lined-up Recently
Keeping his ninth clean sheet of the Premier League campaign, David Raya started in goal vs Leicester City.
The back four was made up of Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
In midfield, Martin Odegaard captained his side and started alongside Thomas Partey and Declan Rice.
Mikel Merino was the unlikely hero to lead Arsenal’s front line last time out scoring an all-important double against Leicester. He received much praise from his boss, who said: “He’s a goal threat, because he can smell danger, he can anticipate the action, he’s got really good timing.”
While Arsenal have some lengthy injuries affecting their strikeforce, Arteta claims that there are “too many” potential alternatives who could fill that role.
This may also include some younger stars.
Arteta said: “We have some other [younger] players training with us now lately. They’ve been in our system for a while but they’ve been very close and obviously we might have to use them. They look ready as well, which is a good thing.”
The forward line vs Leicester saw Leandro Trossard in a central role with Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri on either side.
Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
With four wins and two draws in their six matches, Arsenal are hot on Liverpool’s heels and have the opportunity to move within five points of first place.
Since the Gunners lost to Newcastle in the league in November 2024, they are unbeaten in 15 league matches, drawing five and winning the rest.
Arsenal haven’t beaten West Ham at the Emirates since December 2022 and will need to be on their guard despite their opponents floundering in 16th with only one win in their six matches.
The key tactical issue for Arteta will be how he chooses to set up his attack. Sterling has really struggled since his move to Arsenal and despite being gifted the opportunity to make his claim for starting place with all the recent injuries, he has failed to impress. So much so that Merino was given the chance up front!
So Arteta could choose to field Merino up top again or rely on a forward from the academy such as Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia, Charles Sagoe Jr or Andre Harriman-Annous which could alter the balance of the side.
With the solid foundations of the best defensive record in the league, the Gunners will still feel confident despite their sticky record against West Ham at home.
Arsenal Injuries and Absentees to Consider
The club have confirmed Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season with the hamstring injury he sustained at a mid-season training camp in Dubai. He will need to undergo surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
The official statement reads: “Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.”
Mikel Arteta revealed there are no new injuries, and there was a positive update on Ben White who could now start vs West Ham.
Arteta said: “He is ready to play. Whether to start or not is a decision we will make tomorrow, but he’s certainly available now to be a part of the group.”
There are still a few players on the long-term injury list including Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs West Ham
GK: David Raya
RB: Jurrien Timber
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
CM: Mikel Merino
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Martin Odegaard
RW: Ethan Nwaneri
STR: Raheem Sterling
LW: Leandro Trossard
Picture of Declan Wiseman, Editor
Declan Wiseman, Editor
Declan has over 11 years of sports and commercial writing experience. Graduating with a Masters in Journalism (Sports) from the University of Sunderland, he now enjoys his role editing and writing football content for Last Word on Sports.
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