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

Full-Backs

The big news here is the returns of Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal. Bellerin especially has been severely missed and I expect Unai Emery to usher him straight into the starting line-up with both Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ainsley Maitland-Nies not impressing all that much in the Spaniard’s absence.

Monreal is not so desperately needed, however. Sead Kolasinac has played well of late, at full-back and wing-back, and could well have stolen the starting spot for himself. It would be surprising to see Kolasinac dropped for the recently-returned Monreal here.

One way that Monreal could find the field is if Emery chooses to play a back three. Monreal is perfectly suited to the left centre-back role that the back three requires. This formation also alleviates some of the defensive concerns that Kolasinac presents. That said, I still expect Emery to use a back four. I believe that he prefers a back four and will use one whenever he has the players to do so. Monreal, therefore, stays on the bench, for now.