The 3 key battles as Arsenal host West Ham this evening

Shkodran Mustafi vs Andy Carroll

Laurent Koscielny looks set to miss out this evening after picking up an Achilles problem in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the weekend.

That means that Germany international Shkodran Mustafi, scorer of their second goal on Sunday, will have take over the leadership of the back four at the Emirates tonight, which includes thwarting the progress of West Ham striker Andy Carroll.

The 28-year-old has scored seven goals in 16 Premier League appearances for Bilic’s side this term to once again underline his importance to this Hammers side, and given that he has scored five times in ten games against the Gunners, he clearly enjoys pitting his wits against the North London outfit.

Carroll netted a consolation in their 5-1 loss to Wenger’s men earlier in the campaign, but it was he who scored a wonderful hat-trick in their 3-3 draw at Upton Park last season. And if Arsenal defend against West Ham like they did against West Brom, Carroll will have a field day.

Thus, Mustafi will have to be dominant and aggressive to minimise Carroll’s influence, otherwise it could be a very long evening for Wenger and his men.