Predicted Arsenal lineup vs West Ham: Declan Rice homecoming?

The exit of Manchester City means it’s anyone’s trophy to grab as we prepare for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup

Just 16 teams remain in the not-so-illustrious competition with Arsenal visiting West Ham on Wednesday night. The Gunners haven’t lifted this piece of silverware since 1993, and while it might not be Mikel Arteta’s most pressing priority this season, they’ve got a great chance of lifting the cup aloft at Wembley next February.

Arsenal have a tricky away tie in east London upcoming, and Arteta will undoubtedly rotate for the cup tie with big Premier League and Champions League fixtures ahead.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs West Ham

Here’s how Arsenal could line up for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Now Arsenal’s number two, Ramsdale will return to the team on Wednesday having impressed in the third-round win over Brentford.

Ben White (RB) – Arteta is short of options at right-back which means we could see White keep his place in the team.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (CB) – Tomiyasu is a sure bet to start on Wednesday, and he could be deployed at centre-back with William Saliba earning a rest. The versatile defender has previously excelled for the national team in a central position.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian wasn’t used at the weekend which suggests he’ll return to the fold against West Ham.

Jakub Kiwior (LB) – Kiwior performed the inverted role in pre-season and he could with tasked with drifting infield should he get the nod at left-back.

Midfielders

Jorginho (DM) – Arteta hinted that Rice will feature against his former club, but I don’t think he’ll start. With Thomas Partey injured, Jorginho is primed for minutes at the base of midfield.

Emile Smith Rowe (CM) – Smith Rowe didn’t produce the brightest of showings at the weekend, but he should get another chance to shine in midweek.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – Martin Odegaard dropped out of the XI due to an injury on Saturday, and he should be preserved for the upcoming fixtures.

Forwards

Reiss Nelson (RW) – Bukayo Saka surely has to come out of the team with upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and Sevilla more pressing. Nelson may well get a rare opportunity to impress.

Kai Havertz (ST) – Saturday’s hat-trick hero could drop to the bench in favour of Havertz for this cup tie. The German’s best work has come from an advanced position since joining the club.

Leandro Trossard (LW) – Gabriel Martinelli is Arteta’s man down the left flank despite Trossard’s efficiency, but the Belgian should get the nod in midweek.