Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League today when they take on West Ham United away from home.
The Gunners will head into the London derby on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie.
Despite the loss, Mikel Arteta’s side went through to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate, and they will now be keen on enhancing their chances of finishing in the Premier League top four with victory over the Hammers.
Arteta is likely to field a strong team with the international break coming up, but the Spaniard is unlikely to include Bukayo Saka in the starting lineup despite the winger having been passed fit.
Martin Odegaard came on as a substitute against Olympiacos, and the Real Madrid-owned attacking midfielder – whose work-rate has been described as “phenomenal” by Arteta on the club’s official website this month – could start against the Hammers.
Thomas Partey replaced Mohamed Elneny on Thursday evening, and the Ghana international defensive midfielder – who is “stable” in the middle of the park, according to Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva on his podcast this month – is likely to start ahead of the 28-year-old.
This is how Arsenal are likely to line up against West Ham today:
Predicted Arsenal XI: Leno; Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Pepe, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
