Zinchenko dropped, J5 and Smith Rowe starts as Arsenal lineup vs West Ham revealed- No Kai Havertz in match squad

Zinchenko dropped, J5 and Smith Rowe starts as Arsenal lineup vs West Ham revealed- No Kai Havertz in match squad

As West Ham United gets ready to play against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, it’s shaping up to be an exciting match between two London teams. Arsenal, currently leading the league with only two losses this season, is facing a rising West Ham team under manager David Moyes.

West Ham, showing moments of brilliance throughout the season, comes to North London with confidence, having lost only one of their last seven league games. They aim to achieve a rare feat by winning both the Carabao Cup and the League against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Arsenal’s manager, Arteta, knows the challenge posed by West Ham, particularly from their dynamic attacking pair, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.

While West Ham hasn’t had a consistent streak of wins, they’re making significant progress in the Premier League standings under Moyes’s smart leadership, with European qualification now in sight.

Regarding team updates, West Ham has concerns about Nayef Aguerd and Maxwel Cornet’s availability due to illness. The prolific striker Michail Antonio is confirmed to be absent for the London derby.

On the positive side, West Ham has a boost with Konstantinos Mavropanos, a former Arsenal player, who played well in their recent 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Mavropanos, signed in the summer for such crucial matches, is expected to play a key role against his former club.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, having come unharmed from their recent match at Anfield, will miss Kai Havertz due to suspension. Arteta’s injury troubles persist, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, and Jurrien Timber all sidelined. Declan Rice, keen for revenge after their League Cup defeat in November, will be a player to watch.

The absence of Havertz, a key player for Arsenal, and the ongoing injuries will test the depth and resilience of the Gunners. Arteta will need to rely on the remaining stars to maintain their form and secure a crucial victory against a hungry West Ham side, which won its first trophy in decades last season.

It won’t be an easy task, but Arsenal seems to have learned how to handle all opponents so far this season.

Raya

White – Saliba – Gabriel – Kiwior

Rice – Smith-Rowe

Odegard

Saka – Jesus – Martinelli