Mikel Arteta will ring the changes for the fourth-round EFL Cup clash between Arsenal and West Ham United, with Declan Rice set to feature off the bench.
Mikel Arteta will use the EFL Cup fourth-round tie against West Ham United to rest some of his key stars ahead of the daunting trip to face Newcastle United. Arsenal have the squad depth to name an altogether different starting eleven. Yet, the manager will only make smart changes and get his fringe stars some game time.
Arteta reiterated the importance of the EFL Cup during his pre-match press conference and insisted on the ‘chance to progress and win a trophy’ ahead of the West Ham meeting. He also updated on the injury front while suggesting Declan Rice is fit and available on his return to the London Stadium.
He got asked about Rice in light of his return to his former side, West Ham, Arteta said, “He’s likely. He’s fit and can get involved. It will be his first time back at his old club and a beautiful moment I think for him.”
On the injury front, Arteta confirmed layoffs for Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus, with the duo set to miss a few weeks of action. He was also asked whether Martin Odegaard will get more rest after sitting out the Sheffield United clash.
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Arteta continued, “We rested him the other day, so it’s how long we rest him for and how we manage him now with the minutes and the rhythm that he needs as well to be at his best. So, yeah, we had the opportunity to do it and we didn’t use him at the end, that was a good upload for him.”
As for the team selection for the trip to the London Stadium, Arteta will make wholesale changes and tweaks to his setup. Many of his fringe players could feature from the start while retaining some of those who have featured regularly this season.
Aaron Ramsdale will return between the sticks with a huge chance for the England international to impress Arteta. The Arsenal boss might rest William Saliba while bringing Gabriel Magalhaes back into the fold.
Jakub Kiwior could start at left-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu might come in at right-back. Ben White could move in centrally to partner Gabriel. The midfield shuffle will puzzle Arteta, as he could have several combinations in mind.
Jorginho might start in the holding role, with Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith-Rowe on either side of the Italian. He also has the option of Mohamed Elneny, with the Egyptian featuring off the bench during the weekend. Rice might come in at some stage during the game but will likely start from the bench.
Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard are likely to get the nod for the wide attacking berths. Arteta might also decide his starting striker. This game might present a chance to play Kai Havertz up front, something the manager might consider for the West Ham clash.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel, Kiwior; Vieira, Jorginho, Smith-Rowe; Nelson, Havertz, Trossard
