Arsenal vs West Ham: 5 key players as desperation looms

2. Nicolas Pepe

I tried this last week too, but I’m doubling up by moving Nicolas Pepe up the list this time. Because after seeing him play for just 45 minutes against Brighton, and the hunger and passion that we all saw (even if the sharpness was still lacking), I have to believe that Freddie Ljungberg has more faith in Pepe to take over the starting job.

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And, as I’m wagering on Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil being shown the bench, someone has to get in there and do the dirty work of providing attacking threats, and Pepe has shown the capacity to do so, he just needs to find his confidence.

There could not be a better time than right now. In case you missed my predicted XI, I’m hoping that Ljungberg resorts to actual wingers (Pepe and Bukayo Saka) to provide the creative spark, rather than asking Ozil, who has proven he’s not the answer.

It seems crazy to say, but we know what Saka will provide, despite how young he is. It’s Pepe who’s the wild card, and that being the case, he is capable of anything. What better time for a breakout performance than this one?

Finally, a familiar No. 1.