Arsenal will have the opportunity to leapfrog West Ham United into the top four of the Premier League when they host the Hammers on Wednesday.
The Gunners are currently sixth in the table, two points behind their London rivals, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
Arsenal’s preparations were marred by the news of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s latest disciplinary breach, which resulted in the Gabon international being stripped of the captaincy and dropped for the game against West Ham.
Nevertheless, the Gunners will fancy their chances against David Moyes’ side, given the fact they possess the second-best home record in the league, behind only Manchester City.
The last time these two sides met, Arsenal clawed their way back from a three-goal deficit to steal a point.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal will be without Aubameyang for the second straight game due to disciplinary issues. But Emile Smith Rowe is in contention to return to the Arsenal lineup after shaking off a groin problem.
Sead Kolasinac remains a long-term absentee.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs West Ham United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
After conceding five goals in two games, Aaron Ramsdale managed to keep a clean sheet last time out against Southampton. The England international made a number of smart saves in the first half to deny the Saints and was arguably Arsenal’s best player on the night.
Defenders
Mikel Arteta is unlikely to tinker with an Arsenal backline that has looked quite steady this season. Kieran Tierney has provided two assists in two matches since returning to the Arsenal lineup and is expected to keep his spot for the foreseeable future.
Ben White and Gabriel have formed a great partnership in the centre of the Arsenal defence and will have an important role to play in trying to contain a dynamic West Ham attack.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has impressed ever since arriving from Bologna and has cemented his place at right-back. The Japanese adds plenty of physicality and energy to the Arsenal backline and could have a bright future at the club.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka looked extremely rusty against the Saints, but he will likely retain his spot in the Arsenal lineup ahead of Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs West Ham United
After a few miserable displays, Thomas Partey put in a much-improved performance against the Saints. The Ghanaian will hope that can serve as a catalyst to kickstart his season.
Martin Odegaard put in his finest display in an Arsenal shirt last time out and will be one of the first names on the teamsheet. The Norwegian is in fine goalscoring form, having netted in three straight games.
Bukayo Saka provided the assist for Arsenal’s first goal against Southampton and is likely to start on the right flank. Emile Smith Rowe is available once again after missing the last couple of games due to injury. He could replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.
Attackers
With Aubameyang dropped from the squad, Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line for Arsenal. The Frenchman ended an eight-game goal drought when he opened the scoring against Southampton.
