TheSportsRush brings Arsenal predicted starting XI vs West Ham, as the Gunners intend make a fresh start to the league after two consecutive losses.
Arsenal will host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in another London Derby. The Hammers are rejuvenated in the transfer window following several appointments, including that of Manuel Pellegrini. Similar to the Gunners, they come into the game on the back of a defeat to Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, the hosts have not won any of their last two matches against Man City and Chelsea. They have a mountain to climb if anything is to be achieved from this season and their repairing process must start on Saturday. Let’s have a look at Emery’s potential line up.
DEFENCE
Arsenal’s defence has conceded five times in the last two matches. Petr Cech could be replaced by Bernd Leno finally. The German has incentive and a good reason to put in a good performance and cement his place in the Arsenal eleven. Sokratis and Mustafi are expected to line-up alongside each other at the centre of defence.
Nacho Monreal is back in the fray and could start at left back. Hector Bellerin will probably be the right back. Both the fullbacks were practically invisible against Chelsea and have to respond against West Ham.
MIDFIELD
Mateo Guendouzi has only impressed since his signing for the north Londoners. The Frenchman has been brilliant at midfield and could start for a third straight game. Lucas Torreira was brought on at the Stamford Bridge in the second half and showed great character. Those 45 minutes against the Blues could have convinced Emery to hand him a first start in the Arsenal jersey. Alex Iwobi scored Arsenal’s second goal in west London and could start as the attacking midfielder.
Also read: Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Newcastle United
ATTACK
Mesut Ozil has been far from his own self in the previous two matches. The former Real Madrid man is still expected to start but will have immense pressure on his shoulders to finally deliver a good performance.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was Arsenal’s best player in the London Derby, by far. The former Red Devil scored and set up a goal as the Gunners came from 2-0 down in the first half at the Bridge. He will be coming into the match with good form and should start on the left wing.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League 2018/19. West Ham could be the best defence for his first unlocking for the Gabonese striker. He could have easily had two against Chelsea, but my bet would be on him to start and at least find the back of the net once on Saturday.
PREDICTED STARTING XI: Leno; Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Nacho Monreal; Guendouzi, Torreira, Iwobi; Ozil, Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan
