West Ham vs Arsenal: 3 interesting selection calls to make

West Ham may have their eyes on a different prize but as far as Arsenal are concerned nothing else matters other than three points on Sunday.

Contesting in a memorable Europa League semi-final, with the second leg to come away in Germany on the Thursday after this fixture, there is an opportunity for the Gunners to contest in a tricky away fixture with some additional help.

This is one of just five more games remaining in the Premier League season and for the rest of this campaign it is short-term solutions to long-term goals. Gone is the 4-3-3 shape that Arsenal found their rhythm in, and it’s farewell to the up and coming stars with the experienced heads being called upon instead.

Will that be the case again? What will happen at full-back?

West Ham vs Arsenal: 3 interesting selection calls to make for Mikel Arteta in another crucial Premier League clash in their bid for a top four place

It’s interesting how a squad as small as this one – there are just 17 senior outfield players available for selection – can continue to have some debates over who could start.

Set in stone for much of the season when everyone was fit, Arsenal have now fielded 27 different players across the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, a number only exceeded by six other sides.

Knowing that no two games are similar, there could be more changes in store for Mikel Arteta as he takes his side to fellow top four chasing West Ham for the final league game of the week.

Arsenal have to win, but who will they select to help them do so?

Does Tomiyasu Replace Cedric at Right-Back?

If it was a question based entirely around quality, then yes. Yes absolutely Takehiro Tomiyasu comes in for Cedric Soares. Every day of the week.

The decision will come down to fitness. Making his long-awaited return in the final minutes of the 3-1 win over Manchester United, Tomi reminded everyone of how loved he is when he drew a yellow card from Cristiano Ronaldo. Shimmying past players isn’t why he’s so important, but it showed he hasn’t lost his touch.

Previously this season we’ve seen Arteta field Tomiyasu despite him not being fully fit. When he played against Liverpool it was because nobody else was available, and in that instance even he hadn’t had a single training session in the days building up.

It showed, too.

On this occasion Cedric is arguably as fit as he’s ever been since joining Arsenal and with the exception of a tough ride last time out he’s filled in very well. Who plays will be determined by how important Arteta views his summer signing

If Tomiyasu is at 85%, is that enough to warrant his return despite no match fitness?

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