Mikel Arteta could consider four Arsenal changes vs West Ham with new-look defence
The changes Mikel Arteta could make to his Arsenal side when West Ham visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturd
Arsenal will be hoping to make it four Premier League wins in a row when they face West Ham United this weekend. The Hammers make the short trip across the capital on Saturday afternoon, with Mikel Arteta’s men now unbeaten in their last 15 league games.
After Liverpool’s draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday, the Gunners can cut the gap at the top to five points with a win over West Ham. With a number of key players out injured, it may not be as easy as many are making out.
Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Takehiro Tomiyasu are among those who will play no part in Saturday’s fixture. While Ben White did return to the squad for the 2-0 win over Leicester, Arsenal remain extremely light in attack.
Arteta will not look for excuses, though, with the north Londoners travelling to Nottingham Forest just four days after the game against the Hammers. This may mean Arteta is tempted to shuffle his pack as he looks to avoid further injuries and hand out minutes to those who need it.
Here we take a look at possible changes the Spaniard could consider for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.
Ben White for Jurrien Timber
Ben White could be in contention to make his first appearance since November after missing the past few months with a knee injury. The right-back returned to the matchday squad against Leicester at the weekend and the game against West Ham could be perfect for him to return to the starting XI.
Jurrien Timber has already made 34 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season and while he has performed at a very high standard, he is in need of a rest.
Riccardo Calafiori for Myles Lewis-Skelly
Riccardo Calafiori has featured in the Gunners’ past three league games, although he has come off the bench on every single occasion. That has partly been down to the form of Myles Lewis-Skelly, who since Calafiori’s injury has made the left-back spot his own.
Arteta may feel West Ham at home is a good opportunity to start Calafiori, though, especially with Jarrod Bowen one of the more trickier wingers in the league.
Jorginho for Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey has been an ever-present in the Arsenal side this season and has featured in every single game bar two (one due to injury and the other due to being rested). The midfielder has been injury prone during his time at Emirates Stadium, however, so Arteta may be mindful of playing the Ghana international here, especially with Nottingham Forest next Wednesday.
Jorginho is a more than able replacement and would keep things ticking along nicely if given the opportunity.
Mikel Merino for Raheem Sterling
Mikel Merino scored his third and fourth goals for the club after he was brought on in the striker role against Leicester at the weekend. The Spaniard’s introduction meant Leandro Trossard was shifted out wide to his favoured left flank, with young talent Ethan Nwaneri on the right.
Raheem Sterling simply did not impress during his 69 minutes on the pitch against the Foxes so Merino may be given the nod in the central attacking role from the start.
