Arsenal Vs West Ham United: Predicted starting XI – Injuries no more

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

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.