Arsenal Predicted XI: Who will make manager Mikel Arteta’s starting XI this evening as they host West Ham United

Arsenal Predicted XI: Who will make manager Mikel Arteta’s starting XI this evening as they host West Ham United?

It’s been a fantastic week for the North London side, securing a 3-0 victory in their first game of the new season last Saturday at Fulham and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang singing a new contract extension.

Focussing on matters on the pitch, Arteta’s side looked very good at Craven Cottage last week and Arsenal fans will be desperate for their side to continue that run of form.

The Gunners face up against the Hammers at the Emirates stadium tonight at 8pm kick-off and will be clear favourites going into the tie.

Here we predict the Spaniard’s starting XI….

Goalkeeper:

Following the sale of Emilano Martinez to Aston Villa, that makes way for Bernd Leno to fully stake his claim as the Arsenal number one. He will start today and will be hoping for another clean sheet, something that was a rarity for the Gunners last term.

Defenders:

Arsenal actually have a lot of injuries in the defensive positions with Shkordan Mustafi and Pablo Mario both out of action. However, Rob Holding and new man Gabriel looked very strong against Fulham and will start again today. David Luiz has returned to training though and should make the bench. Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney should keep their place on either flank.

Midfielders:

Arteta’s midfield was somewhat of a surprise against Fulham with both Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles starting in the middle alongside Granit Xhaka. Due to the Gunners playing at home tonight, we expect Elneny to drop out for youngster Buyako Saka to provide a more attacking threat for the tam.

Forwards:

The trio of Alexandre Lacazette, Willian and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang linked up well last week and we expect all three to retain their place tonight. Arteta does like to tinker with his team, but so early in the season it’s important to have key players used to playing together and performing well.

Predicted XI: Leno; Bellerin, Gabriel, Holding, Tierney; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Saka; Lacazette, Willian, Aubameyang.