Smith-Rowe and Nketiah start: 4-2-3-1 Predicted team vs West Ham
Arsenal will be pushing for their third win in a row when they visit West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta has somehow managed to place his side back into pole position in the race for a top-four spot despite a recent collapse which saw them lose to Crystal Palace, Brighton and then Southampton.
The Gunners did well to beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in a very entertaining affair before seeing off Manchester United at the Emirates stadium last weekend.
Arsenal will now make a tough trip to West Ham, knowing very well that Tottenham will be hunting them down in the top four race with Antonio Conte’s men only two points behind.
In goal, Aaron Ramsdale should retain his place as usual. Despite some recent inconsistencies, the Gunners’ shot-stopper has certainly been a reliable option, with the team’s form improving ever since he replaced Leno as the first-choice goalkeeper earlier in the campaign.
At right-back, this might be a good opportunity for Arteta to do some rotation and bring in Tomiyasu, while a real lack of options at left-back means Tavares will have to keep his spot in the side despite some worrying moments he has displayed on certain occasions.
White and Gabriel should maintain what has been a solid partnership at centre-back while Xhaka and Elneny do the same in midfield, after a smooth show from the pair against Manchester United last weekend.
The attacking quartet should definitely include Smith-Rowe, who has been in impressive form whenever he has been called upon. Odegaard and the in-form Saka should retain their places while Nketiah looks to maintain his purple patch as the loan striker.
PREDICTED TEAM
Ramsdale
Tomiyasu – White – Gabriel – Tavares
Elneny – Xhaka
Smith-Rowe – Odegaard – Saka
Nketiah