Arsenal host West Ham United in the Premier League as the race for the title heats up following Liverpool’s recent slip against Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta’s side have the opportunity to move to within five points of Arne Slot’s side after former manager Unai Emery held the Anfield club to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
Arne Slot is beginning to feel the pressure after his latest comments that teams try harder against his Liverpool side have caused a stir in the Premier League race.
Martin Keown is adamant Raheem Sterling can still perform for Arsenal after his disappointing spell so far and the England international is certainly at the forefront of Arteta’s selection dilemma ahead of the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Predicted Arsenal line up v West Ham
Arsenal are hoping Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will return in mid-March after their hamstring injuries but have the same squad to choose from ahead of the visit of West Ham.
Ben White is back from knee surgery and available for Arteta to call upon should he consider rotating Jurrien Timber with the Dutchman having played a lot of football this season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to fend off competition from Riccardo Calafiori in the left back spot with the manager widely expected to keep similar structure to that of the win over Leicester.
After his match-winning cameo at the King Power Stadium, Mikel Merino has caught the attention of his manager and should start ahead of the disappointing Sterling.
West Ham are likely to defend deep at the Emirates and the Gunners will need the Spaniard’s physical presence in the box in order to break down the Hammers.
Merino cameo could provide Arsenal life line amid injury crisis
What was most impressive about Merino’s cameo in the striker position was how natural he seemed to fit in to the role. Before his two goals the Spaniard made a number of good lay offs to team mates and occupied the centre backs.
His ability in the air gives David Raya another option from goal kicks as it was very evident that Leicester squeezed the Arsenal keeper in the first hour of the game at the King Power.
Then, there was the quality of the two finishes that would have lit up Arteta’s eyes, a deft glancing header after some clever movement, followed by a wonderfully controlled finish on the half volley.
Arteta has to take the gamble on the Spaniard at striker against West Ham and another goal or two would really build Merino’s confidence in filling the position permanently whilst injuries return.
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