Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs West Ham United: Predicted starting XI – The Mikel Arteta pecking order

By Andrew Dowdeswell

4 venue choices as Arsenal are forced to cancel Greece plans for Europa League round of 32 tie with Benfica (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
4 venue choices as Arsenal are forced to cancel Greece plans for Europa League round of 32 tie with Benfica (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Full-Backs

It is quite plain that Hector Bellerin will be the starting right-back whenever he is fit. Mikel Arteta was able to hand him some much-needed rest by using Sokratis in his stead against Portsmouth, but now responsibilities turn back to the league, Bellerin will be ushered back into the starting XI once more.

Opposite the Spaniard, the situation is a little more difficult. Sead Kolasinac is still out with a nasty shoulder problem, while 18-year-old Bukayo Saka has mightily impressed but is nearing the end of his physical tether having played a lot of minutes in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney has returned to full training after his dislocating his shoulder in December.

For now, Saka will hang onto his starting spot, but expect to see Tierney in the near future, perhaps even making an appearance on the bench as he looks to find match sharpness. Saka, for his sake, could do with the rest.