Brimming with confidence after their crucial win against Premier League table toppers Liverpool, Arsenal will take on local rivals West Ham United as they hope to maintain their hot start to 2024. Last Word on Football brings you an Arsenal predicted lineup for this London derby.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs West Ham United
Good energy for the weekend ✨
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 9, 2024
How Arsenal Have Lined up Recently
David Raya has slowly but surely established his position as the number one goalkeeper for the Gunners. The backline has remained steady for most of the season. Ben White, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes have continued their partnership in defense while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu have shared minutes at left back depending on availability.
Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard have been the preferred midfield trio for Mikel Arteta. However, a recurring injury to Gabriel Jesus has forced the Spanish manager to push Havertz further up the field and look for other midfield options. Jorginho played a starring role against Liverpool last week while Emile Smith Rowe has also featured.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have been the ever-present attacking force for the Gunners. The likes of Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah have also seen some sporadic starts up front.
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Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
The North Londoners have stuck to the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation this year. While in possession it is common for Zinchenko to invert into a midfield role alongside Rice, providing a strong base for Odegaard and Havertz to press high up the pitch along with the forwards.
With Jorginho in the lineup, Rice is given more freedom to venture forward, while they also switch to a double-pivot 4-2-3-1 when more defensive cover is needed. Both Havertz and Jesus play a false-nine role when playing up top, allowing the exciting wingers to run at the opposition’s defense and wreak havoc.
Arsenal have had a great start to the new year having won all three of their Premier League matches, most notably against the Reds at the Emirates Stadium. However, they are knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. With some players returning from injury and international duty, the Gunners are expected to make a strong push for the title this season.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Zinchenko picked up a knock at halftime in the last match and is expected to miss the West Ham tie. The Ukrainian had to be replaced and Jakub Kiwior finished the match in his stead. He has been ruled out of the next match as well. Gabriel Jesus remains out with a knee problem.
Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, and Fabio Vieira remain long-term absentees and will miss the clash against the Hammers.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
GK – David Raya
RB – Ben White
CB – William Saliba
CB – Gabriel Magalhaes
LB – Takehiro Tomiyasu
CDM – Jorginho
CM – Declan Rice
CM – Martin Odegaard
RW – Bukayo Saka
ST – Kai Havertz
LW – Gabriel Martinelli
