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Wenger may spring Lacazette surprise on Irons

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Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang  – who formed Arsenal’s front pair against Newcastle last weekend – are unlikely to team up for this afternoon’s game against the Hammers.

The Arsenal boss stated after the game that the partnership, which saw Aubameyang play on the left side of the attack, showed plenty of signs of promise. But since then the Frenchman has dropped a hint that he could leave out today.

His reasoning is that he wants to give a run out to those who will start against Atletico Madrid on Thursday night but London: Football claims it would be “a real surprise” if the Gabon international misses out.

They claim it’s more likely Lacazette will make way to remain  injury free ahead of the Europa League semi-final first leg, with Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil starting on either side of Aubameyang in the front three.

Aaron Ramsey was left out against Newcastle because of the nasty cut he received to his shin against Moscow and has been forced to train on his own all week to avoid any contact.

But he should return today providing he has been medically cleared, with Jack Wilshere and Granit Xhaka making up the midfield three to take on the Hammers.

Like Ramsey, both Laurent Koscielny and Hector Bellerin were given the day off last weekend, but both are expected to come back in to the back four with Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal.

Expected Arsenal XI: Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil, Aubameyang, Welbeck.

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

0 comments

  • kevin says:

    Whatever 11 Wenger decides to start with Arsenal will be facing a very determined West Ham United Team today . On paper Arsenal are clear favorites but , West Ham have gotten stronger over the past three games with players returning from injury at a crucial time in the season . West Hams form has improved a lot and they are probably expected to score . Arsenal’s defence can be shaky at times ( like ours ) and Thier strikers don’t always find the target . Could be our day if we hold our shape and perform as we know we can . The rub of the green would be nice , but we need to make our own luck . A point would be excellent and three would be extremely welcome .
    COYHAMMERS

  • kevin says:

    Sky Sports have spent the whole morning building up the Arsenal and the Players and building the atmosphere in favour of Arsenal . We will have a right difficult time of it . We need to score and quickly to keep them quite . For crying out loud , it’s not enough to be fighting relegation . Really hoping Moyes can get the lads hyped up for this one . We will be playing against Arsenal , Thier fans & SkySports .
    COYHAMMERS

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