Predicted Arsenal XI vs West Ham: Eddie Nketiah leads the line on Boxing Day

Oh, how I’ve missed this!

The wait is finally over, folks. The Premier League leaders will soon be blessing us with their brilliance once more as they host West Ham to wrap up a tasty Boxing Day schedule.

How else would any Arsenal supporter want to conclude the festive period than by enjoying Mikel Arteta’s showtime Gunners under the Emirates lights?

Nevertheless, Arteta does have a few big decisions to make regarding team selection. Injuries have taken their toll during the break, and the statuses of some players are up in the air.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs West Ham

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick as Arsenal play host to West Ham on their Premier League return.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – After a quiet World Cup, Ramsdale returns between the sticks for the Gunners.

Ben White (RB) – White was straight back in action after leaving the England camp early. The defender should be continuing at right-back against the Hammers after enjoying an excellent start to the season in the role.

Rob Holding (CB) – With William Saliba only just returning from Qatar, Holding could make his first Premier League start of the season. His form in Europe would suggest that this is far from ideal, but Arteta might not have any other choice with Takehiro Tomiyasu an injury doubt.

Gabriel (CB) – A shoo-in after missing out on Brazil’s World Cup squad. Gabriel overcame a difficult period to emerge as one of the Gunners’ standout performers before the break.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Oleksandr Zinchenko could make Monday’s squad but his absence over the break would suggest that he might not yet be ready to start. Thus, KT is in line to earn a rare opportunity in the Premier League.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey returned to Arsenal in one piece following his exploits with Ghana and his availability will be crucial in determining the Gunners’ success during the first half of the season. The midfielder missed just three league games before the break.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – The resurgent midfielder is a sure bet to start on Boxing Day having returned from the World Cup relatively early. Xhaka earned minutes in Arsenal’s friendly defeat to Juventus last Saturday.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Odegaard was one of the stars of the Dubai Super Cup and the Norwegian looks poised for a big second half to the 2022/23 season.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka’s stock only grew in Qatar as he helped England reach the quarter-finals, and now it’s time for the spritely winger to grab his Gunners side by the scruff of the neck amid Gabriel Jesus’ lengthy absence. This is Saka’s team for the time being and Arteta needs him to produce.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Well, what a huge opportunity this is for Nketiah. After barely featuring in the Premier League to start 2022/23, Jesus’ injury has presented Eddie with the chance to lead the Gunners’ line for a sustained period. Can he fill the Brazilian’s boots?

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Despite returning relatively late from Qatar, Martinelli was in action as Arsenal drew with Luton Town behind closed doors. With Reiss Nelson out, the Brazilian winger will surely start down the left.