Arsenal head to the London Stadium to face West Ham in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. Last Word on Football looks at an Arsenal-predicted lineup for this domestic cup clash.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
How Arsenal Have Lined Up Recently
The Gunners made vital changes in their 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United at the Emirates on Saturday. Starts were given – to Jakub Kiwior and fan favourite Emile Smith Rowe. In goal, David Raya continues to be favoured over Aaron Ramsdale.
The back four were without the ever-present Gabriel Magalhaes, with the Brazilian an unused sub with the Gunners bracing for some big clashes on the horizon. Kiwior came in and looked solid against an albeit toothless Sheffield United attack.
Read More: ‘After Martin Odergaard’: Arsenal Now Look to Secure New Deal for £120K Per Week Emirates Star
Kai Havertz and Smith Rowe completed the midfield trio alongside former Hammer Declan Rice. Mikel Arteta would have been hoping that Havertz and Smith Rowe would have been able to play themselves into form against the lowest-ranked side in the division, but both failed to make a significant impact. Martin Odergaard found himself amongst the subs as he nursed a knock obtained in training.
In attack, Arteta’s side are yet to feel the full impact of Gabriel Jesus’s injury with the standout performance of Eddie Nketiah. The Englishman staked his claim to being the key striker until the next international break with a hat trick against the Blades. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka completed the lineup in the 5-0 demolition.
WATCH: MASSIVE TITLE FIGHT
Changes We May See
With a crucial test upcoming away at Newcastle on November 4, expect plenty of rotation as Arteta aims to have his best team ready for the trip to Tyneside. The first is that Ramsdale will likely be starting in goal, having started in the previous round of the EFL Cup, giving him the opportunity to show the manager what he is missing.
In defence, Kiwior will likely start again, but this time alongside the versatile Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who may well come in for Oleksandr Zinchenko. Despite the upcoming test at St James’ Park, this is a competition that both teams can target with Man City, Tottenham, Brighton, and Aston Villa already out, so expect the strength of Saliba and White to be relied on from the start.
Read More: ‘At the Moment’: Fabrizio Romano Explains the Situation of Arsenal’s Exiled Star
In midfield, the Arsenal boss may dampen Rice’s return to East London by naming him amongst the subs, with Jorginho likely to come into the starting lineup. Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira could start together for the first time this season in midfield, with club captain Odergaard unlikely to be risked.
After his clinical performance against Sheffield United, Nketiah is almost certain to start against Newcastle, so expect him to be rested on Wednesday night against West Ham. Instead, Havertz could find himself upfront with the German desperate for goals, with his only contribution this season coming from the penalty spot.
Read More: ‘Wants and Needs to Play’: Fabrizio Romano Clarifies Situation of ‘Superb’ Arsenal Star
Expect Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson on the wings for the Gunners on Wednesday night. Nelson was the match-winner in that 1-0 victory over Brentford and has been lacking game time since.
Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
The Gunners remain one of only two teams unbeaten so far in the Premier League, with their only defeat in all competitions coming in a 2-1 defeat at Lens in the Champions League.
Read More: ‘Could be One to Watch’: Fabrizio Romano Clarifies Arsenal’s Links to ‘Incredible’ Star’
Arteta seems to have found a good balance for all competitions despite it being Arsenal’s first season in the Champions League under his tenure. Their record in the EFL Cup is poor, but there is a real opportunity for them to attack the competition this season, with serial winners Manchester City already dumped out.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Key Arsenal players seem to be picking up knocks at the wrong time, with Jesus, Thomas Partey, and Odergaard all not featuring in the win against Sheffield United. The trio were all vital in last season’s unexpected title challenge. Arsenal will also be without Jurrien Timber, with the summer signing continuing his rehabilitation and not expected back until the spring of 2024.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Ramsdale, White, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Kiwior, Jorginho, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Nelson, Havertz, Trossard.
