English Premier League Match Preview
Buoyed by their win against Manchester United in the mid-week that has taken them 1 step closer to FA Cup triumph, Arsenal will host West Ham in this top of the table clash on Saturday. While all the other contenders for the top 4 spot are playing either on Sunday or Monday night, Arsenal have a chance to get its position firm in the table. Ahead of a crucial away trip to AS Monaco where they will look to reduce the deficit acquired in the first leg, Arsenal will hope for a perfect buildup of the mid-week fixture.
Here is how they are expected to lineup against West Ham: –
David Ospina
While he missed the trip to Manchester United altogether to freshen up, Ospina will return in the goal-keeping role for Arsenal. He has kept 4 clean sheets in 8 matches this season.
Hector Bellerin
Coming up against the likes of in-form Ashely Young in the mid-week, the German was unfazed as he allowed little room for the Englishman to exploit. And with long term injury Debuchy still intact, Bellerin will get his 12 start of the season on Saturday.
Per Mertesacker
For a player whose Arsenal career is reportedly on the fringes, the injury to his compatriot Gabriel Paulista can allow Per Mertesacker to rejuvenate his Arsenal career.
Laurent Koscielny
While he was at fault to the only goal which Manchester United managed against Arsenal, Koscielny, bar that goal, was solid throughout the 90 minutes for the London outfit.
Nacho Monreal
Although Danny Welbeck stole the head-lines against Manchester United with his re-union goal, Nacho Monreal performed head and shoulders above his stature in the match. With his goal in the opening stages that allowed Arsenal to break the Old Trafford hoodoo, the Spaniard can outwit Kieran Giibs for a full back spot against West Ham.
Francis Coquelin
After that defeat against Stoke City which allowed little breathing space for Arsene Wenger and Co., the experiment of testing the French in the defensive midfield role has reaped benefits for the North London outfit. Wit stellar performances against the likes of both Manchester outfits, Coquelin is turning out to be a big-game player for the Gunners this season.
Santi Cazorla
Being the contender for player of the season for the Gunners since the start of February, the form of the Spaniard has dipped in the last 2 months. With 1 goal and no assists to his name in his last 8 appearances, Cazorla is expecting a late season dip in form. However, with injuries to both Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere, there is nobody contesting the Spaniard for a place in the Arsenal mid.
Mesut Ozil
Even though he played in the heart of Arsenal attack against the Red devils, the German was less-influential throughout the 90 minutes. However, with his killer precision and a decent history against the mid-table sides in the past, Ozil can prove to be a match winner in this game.
Danny Welbeck
With his famous ‘’re-union goal’’ and a killer celebration that followed it, Danny Welbeck has once again announced him to the Arsenal folklore. However, with Olivier Giroud returning in the mid with Chamberlain suffering another setback, Welbeck is expected to be on the wide left.
Olivier Giroud
While he missed the game against Manchester United due to un-explicable reasons, the top scorer for Arsenal will return in the starting lineup.
Alexis Sanchez
Even though he didn’t managed a goal against the Red devils in the mid-week, his pace and trickery was a reminiscence of his early season form. Since he has been able to break the deadlock against QPR last week, the Chilean will be expecting to get his form on track.
Arsenal Vs West Ham will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 14th March.
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