Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made one change to the starting line-up for tonight’s Premier League clash against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are currently two points behind leaders Liverpool in the standings, but have the opportunity to return to the summit by beating the Hammers in their game in hand.
Ahead of the London derby, Arteta has made a solitary change to the XI from the Anfield draw last weekend. Kai Havertz is absent for the game after his one-game ban.
The £48 million-rated star received his fifth yellow card of the top-flight campaign against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
In his absence, Leandro Trossard has been selected to start in the number eight role. The Belgian has got the nod over Emile Smith Rowe, who has played less than 30 minutes since his injury return.
Here is Arsenal’s confirmed line-up (4-2-3-1) vs West Ham: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli; Gabriel Jesus.
We had predicted Smith Rowe to be picked in central midfield with Trossard possibly replacing Martinelli on the left wing. However, the manager has opted for his regular combination.
Arteta has already played Trossard ahead of Havertz on a few occasions this season, and it is a straight swap tonight. The decision was made easy with the latter getting suspended.
Arsenal will be aiming for three points tonight. They are currently winless in the last two outings against the Hammers including a 2-2 league draw on the road last season.
The Gunners raced into a 2-0 lead after just eight minutes on the watch but squandered the advantage. They will be aiming to make amends with a strong derby showing.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
