Arsenal Vs West Ham United: Predicted starting XI – The Mikel Arteta pecking order

Arsenal return to Premier League duties on Saturday afternoon when they host West Ham United absolutely having to win to keep their top-five hopes alive. With the cup competitions, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta’s</a> pecking order has been unveiled somewhat, with players beginning to find their place in the squad.</p> <h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&amp;mt=2%22>Listen to the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast here! — Emergency Podcast: Nightmare</a></h2> <p>With that in mind, here is the Gunners predicted starting XI <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51685402">versus West Ham</a>.</p> <div id="attachment_99077" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99077" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1202063712-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Bernd Leno" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PIRAEUS, GREECE – FEBRUARY 20: Bernd Leno of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg match between Olympiacos FC and Arsenal FC at Karaiskakis Stadium on February 20, 2020 in Piraeus, Greece. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>Goalkeeper</h4> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=bernd+leno%22>Bernd Leno</a> is the starting goalkeeper, and he will start again on Saturday.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Centre-Backs </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99159" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99159" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1208176814-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Shkodran Mustafi" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>Centre-Backs</h4> <p>While Arsenal do not have many convincing centre-backs in the squad, if any, Mikel Arteta has improved those that are there, so much so that the Gunners now feature an improving starting pair that has started the last five Premier League matches and both legs against Olympiakos in the Europa League.</p> <p>That pair consists of<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=david+luiz%22> David Luiz</a> and<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=shkodran+mustafi%22> Shkodran Mustafi</a>. Both have committed mistakes throughout their careers, and in the Arteta era, and both still look capable of those mind-numbing errors still, but their shared athleticism, aggressive decision-making and comfort in possession make them a complementary central defensive pair that Arteta is beginning to rely upon.</p> <p>Pablo Mari made his first start in Monday’s 2-0 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup and looked awesome. He might not be ready to start in the Premier League, though Arteta will be sure to use his presence as a motivating stick for Mustafi and Luiz. Their starting roles are no longer confirmed.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Full-Backs </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99562" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99562" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1204807365-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>Full-Backs</h4> <p>It is quite plain that <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=hector+bellerin%22>Hector Bellerin</a> will be the starting right-back whenever he is fit. Mikel Arteta was able to hand him some much-needed rest by using Sokratis in his stead against Portsmouth, but now responsibilities turn back to the league, Bellerin will be ushered back into the starting XI once more.</p> <p>Opposite the Spaniard, the situation is a little more difficult. Sead Kolasinac is still out with a nasty shoulder problem, while 18-year-old<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=bukayo+saka%22> Bukayo Saka</a> has mightily impressed but is nearing the end of his physical tether having played a lot of minutes in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney has returned to full training after his dislocating his shoulder in December.</p> <p>For now, Saka will hang onto his starting spot, but expect to see Tierney in the near future, perhaps even making an appearance on the bench as he looks to find match sharpness. Saka, for his sake, could do with the rest.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Central Midfield </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_98986" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-98986" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1207096872-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Granit Xhaka" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal FC applauds the home fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)</p> </div> </div> <h4>Central Midfield</h4> <p>Across the front six positions, Mikel Arteta might have more options than in any other area of the team. And yet, despite the many players, his thinking has become increasingly clear over the past week.</p> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p>In needing to beat Olympiakos in the Europa League, Arteta started a central midfield trio of<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=dani+ceballos%22> Dani Ceballos</a>, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=granit+xhaka%22>Granit Xhaka</a> and <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mesut+ozil%22>Mesut Ozil</a>. He then rested all three against Portsmouth in the FA Cup, starting Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Joe Willock in their positions instead — Ceballos played the majority of that match, but that was only due to Torreira suffering an early injury.</p> <p>It is not unreasonable, then, to assume that Arteta will revert to what seems to be his first-choice central midfield of Ceballos, Xhaka and Ozil. Whether they deserve to be the starters at their respective positions is another debate. In Arteta’s mind, they are, and with this being a Premier League game, he will surely use what he believes is his strongest team.</p> <p>Ceballos, it should be said, has played a lot of football of late, after only just returning from injury himself. He could be a candidate for rotation. But Xhaka and Ozil, for better or worse, are mainstays.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Front Three </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99436" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99436" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1209146392-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>Front Three</h4> <p>The theme of a starting trio and reserve trio continues for the front three positions in the team, as evidenced by the teams that Mikel Arteta selected over the past week of action. Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah starred in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Portsmouth, while the experienced trio started a few days earlier against Olympiakos.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_99561" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>That trio is <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=pierre-emerick+aubameyang%22>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</a> in an inside-left role that he is beginning to flourish in, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=nicolas+pepe%22>Nicolas Pepe</a> off the right, a £72 million player who has shown glimpses of figuring everything out without ever quite getting there, and <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=alexandre+lacazette%22>Alexandre Lacazette</a> through the middle.</p> <p>Like with the central midfield, you could argue that the reserve players deserve starts here, especially in the case of Lacazette and Pepe. But Arteta seems keen to persevere with this trio, which is understandable given the level they could reach if it all clicks.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Portsmouth: 5 things we learned" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-porstmouth-5-things-learned-future-bright/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/06/arsenal-vs-west-ham-united-predicted-starting-xi-mikel-arteta-pecking-order/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/03/02/arsenal-vs-porstmouth-5-things-learned-future-bright/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Portsmouth: 5 things we learned </a> </div> </div> <p>Arteta’s thinking, then, has been revealed over the past week. And as Arsenal host West Ham on Saturday afternoon, it may only further unveil itself.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">