After a thumping win against Southampton at home, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal faces a tough test against West Ham on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta will be looking to prove that his young side is ready to face sides that currently sit higher on the table. West Ham currently sits two points above Arsenal in the Premier League. A win for Arsenal will take them above The Hammers. As we look at Mikel’s probable starting XI for Arsenal against West Ham :
Goalkeeper – Aaron Ramsdale
🤣 Safe to say @AaronRamsdale98 enjoyed @Arsenal's 3 goals… pic.twitter.com/gveJmCxZNE
— SPORF (@Sporf) December 11, 2021
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The goalkeeping position picks itself for Arsenal. England International Aaron Ramsdale has been a breath of fresh air for the club. Ramsdale has singlehandedly won Arsenal several games this season. Aaron Ramsdale has the second-highest clean-sheet percentage in the Premier League this season. With 7 clean sheets in the Premier League, Aaron Ramsdale will be up for the tough test against West Ham.
Defenders – Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu
With a clean sheet against Southampton, Mikel Arteta will be looking to start with the same back four against West Ham. Meanwhile Arsenal’s left-back Kieran Tierney has provided Two assists in his last couple of games both for Martin Odegaard. Ben White and Gabriel have started to form a great partnership. The duo has been rock solid in the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s difference in this Arsenal side cannot go unnoticed with 7 clean sheets for the Japanese International in Premier League.
Midfield – Thomas Partey & Granit Xhaka
Arteta on Xhaka:
"Granit is one of the captains and he's part of the leadership group and he's a really important player for us." #AFC pic.twitter.com/xmtAZ6m5q7
Advertisement— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) December 14, 2021
The speedy return of Granit Xhaka from injury has given Arsenal more balance in midfield with left & right combination. The Swiss International has the ability to spring a pass from midfield that can open West Ham’s shrewd backline. Furthermore Granit’s midfield partner Thomas Partey will be looking to prove a point against West Ham.
Forwards – Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli & Alexadre Lacazette
In his pre-match conference, Mikel Arteta reported no fresh injuries to his Arsenal squad. Although Arsenal confirmed they will be without Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang has been left out of the squad because of a ‘disciplinary breach’. The Gabonese International has also been stripped of as Arsenal captain.
🅰️ 22 assists
Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal's most creative player since the start of the 2019/20 season 🪄 pic.twitter.com/xDIQrArzGT
Advertisement— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 11, 2021
Arsenal’s forward line will probably be the same as it was against Southampton. Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s most creative player since the start of the 2019/20 season with 22 assists. Martin Odegaard is expected to keep his place in the lineup with 3 goals in the 3 games for Arsenal.
Alexandre Lacazette has scored five Premier League goals against West Ham – his joint highest tally against any opponent along with Southampton#ARSWHU
— Orbinho (@Orbinho) December 14, 2021
Gabriel Martinelli & Alexander Lacazette will be Arsenal’s forwards for the game against West Ham. Lacazette has started to pick up some form with a neat finish against Southampton as we look at probable starting XI for Arsenal against West Ham.
