Arsenal Vs West Ham United: Predicted starting XI – Injuries no more
Centre-Backs
Laurent Koscielny was meant to start last weekend against Blackpool. But an issue in the warm-ups forced Unai Emery into some rather late selection surgery, shifting Stephan Lichtsteiner into the centre-back position in the Frenchman’s absence.
But Koscielny returned to full training this week and was only not used as a precaution. It is reasonable to assume that his okay to play on Saturday. With other options also dealing with injury problems, — Shkodran Mustafi and Konstantinos Mavropanos have only just returned to training — I expect Koscielny to start.
He will be joined by Sokratis. The Greek international has been largely everpresent for Arsenal throughout the festive period, at times the only fit natural centre-half available. But with injuries now easing and the schedule lightening a tad, Sokratis and Koscielny have the chance to build a partnership.