Arsenal predicted lineup vs West Ham: Tomiyasu back?

Arsenal face the first of their final five matches of the Premier League season when they travel to West Ham on Sunday. Here is the predicted lineup.

First of all was one of the most reassuring sights in recent months: the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu against Manchester United.

Coming on for the final seconds of the game he still had time to embarrass Cristiano Ronaldo. The question is, has he had enough time to start his first game in over 90 days? If he were to start it would likely be in place of Cedric at right-back, a move that would help free Nuno Tavares, although there is scope for him to move to the left where he’s played previously.

One player who wasn’t pictured in the most recent training sessions was Benjamin White, although that could have been either to work in the gym or as an extra recovery day on account of the number of minutes he’s played this season.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs West Ham: Takehiro Tomiyasu back in training so will Arteta take Cedric out and keep the 4-2-3-1?

Emile Smith Rowe had a mostly ineffective game against United and looked physically drained late on which prompted Gabriel Martinelli to come on, a change that could be implemented from the start against a Hammers side lacking bodies in defence.

The midfield pairing of Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka have been superb across the last two games with no indication of them being broken up, although hoping to go for the jugular against what will be a weakened West Ham team could prompt the inclusion of the more forward thinking Sambi Lokonga.

Bukayo Saka appears to have overcome the knock that saw him withdrawn with 15 minutes to go against United, while Eddie Nketiah’s strong run of performances could see him keep his place ahead of the fit again Alexandre Lacazette.

What might Arteta do?

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Once again Ramsdale looked shaky last time out, although Arsenal can equally be grateful for him making two vital saves to keep prevent United getting a second goal. He stays in.

Cedric (RB) – Arteta has shown willingness to field Tomiyasu even without a lot of training in his legs, it’s just that the length of absence this time may make him consider keeping Cedric in. Hopefully he doesn’t, though.

Benjamin White (CB) – Not pictured in training on Wednesday, White was pictured catching some rays on holiday which, if he wasn’t fit, would be peculiar. Should be starting.

Gabriel (CB) – Nobody from the defence had an especially sound outing in the most previous clash but that won’t prevent Gabriel from being in the team. Nothing will.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – When you opt to keep him on despite half the Emirates Stadium calling for him to be substituted off, it hints that there is trust in him to keep his place.

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