Arsenal could make only a single change to the lineup to face West Ham United, as Takehiro Tomiyasu could replace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Mikel Arteta will want his Arsenal side to continue with their momentum and get a fourth win on the bounce when they travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United on Sunday. The Gunners are coming on the back of a big win over Liverpool, as they will want to keep up with the pressure of chasing the top two on the table.
Arteta’s pre-match press conference was dominated by talk of ‘celebration’ after the Liverpool win, while the manager also gave updates on the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey. On the potential absence of Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners gaffer had nothing to report.
Zinchenko never returned for the second half against Liverpool with suggestions of another calf problem. The Ukrainian international has been plagued by the same problem since joining Arsenal 18 months ago and might miss out against West Ham.
Arteta said, “We have a few still in contention. They’ve been evolving well, so tomorrow we’ll have another training session. We’re hopeful we’re going to have a few back and that we can put out a very competitive squad out there.”
Meanwhile, there were concerns about Saka’s fitness after going off late in the Liverpool game, although Arteta reaffirmed the winger was ‘ok’. He continued, “He’s been recovering this week and he looks OK. “
Jesus was completely absent from the Liverpool clash, as Arteta had nothing to update on the Brazilian’s fitness and participation in the Hammers clash. However, he did mention Partey and his ongoing struggle with the latest setback. Arteta said, “He’s progressing really well, but it’s a bit too soon to tell you exactly when we’re going to have him back.”
Considering Zinchenko being doubtful for this clash, Arsenal luckily have Takehiro Tomiyasu back from international duty, and he could be in for a start at left-back. Beyond the Japanese star, Arteta may not change anything from the lineup that dominated and won against Liverpool.
With David Raya in goal and Tomiyasu at left-back, Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will complete the backline. Jorginho will continue to play on the left-hand side of the midfield three, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also available to start.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will keep their positions in the wide attacking areas. Arteta will likely keep hold of Kai Havertz in that No. 9 role after the German put in a magnificent shift against Liverpool last time out.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Spot on, but will Rice start considering his poor performance the last time Arsenal played Westham, with Rice being the worst player on the pitch. Mixed loyalties perhaps?