Arsenal predicted lineup vs West Ham: Who replaces Aubameyang?

Arsenal take on direct competition for the European places this season as they host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium for Wednesday’s Premier League showdown. Here is the predicted lineup.

It’s all about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, isn’t it?

Left out of the squad that beat Southampton due to disciplinary reasons, it wasn’t known on Monday whether the trained or not with the club keeping their lips tight on the situation until a statement on Tuesday confirmed the news that he had been stripped of the captain’s armband.

Mikel Arteta said his punishment ‘started’ in that 3-0 win, but it is clear that there is more to this than just returning late from seeing his mum in France. He will not be considered for selection on Wednesday’s game.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs West Ham: Will Arteta keep Lacazette in place of Aubameyang and does Martinelli start ahead of Smith Rowe?

Taking supporters by surprise by fielding the same side that faltered against Everton, there is a strong case for the manager to stick with his guns for a third match running as all the players got through the Saints match unscathed.

As promising as that sounds, it does mean leaving out Emile Smith Rowe from the team, which is something previously deemed unfathomable due to his importance to the team’s build-up play and, ultimately, its goal tally.

However, Gabriel Martinelli has done well in his outings and meritocracy would dictate that he be handed a fourth consecutive Premier League start, which would be the first time in his Gunners career where he has reached that milestone.

In either case, they’re welcome options to have either starting or on the bench.

Or does Arteta go full Arteta? Do we see the return of Mohamed Elneny in midfield with Lacazette operating as a left wing-back? These ‘big’ games tend to result in an equally sized surprise from the manager, who adores pitting his wits against his counterparts in bemusing fashion.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – There is more chance of Arteta fielding himself in the middle of the park than Ramsdale not starting this match.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Arsenal have uncovered the new Bacary Sagna with Tomiyasu. He wins all his duels, is aggressive in the tackle, is more nimble than he looks and defends his right side brilliantly. Long may he stay fit.

Benjamin White (CB) – Hasn’t looked quite at his best in recent weeks with a few wobbles in his performances. None of which will keep him out of the team for this one, however.

Gabriel (CB) – Adding composure to his game, despite the early yellow card setback against Southampton he kept up the intensity and put in a solid performance. Only got withdrawn as a precaution for his booking.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Back into the team with two assists in two matches, there is little reason to believe that Tierney won’t be keeping his spot for the foreseeable future.

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