West Ham V Arsenal | Hammers Line-Up Announced

Julen Lopetegui is still under pressure, make no bones about it. The victory against Newcastle United bought him time and gave hope to players, management and fans that there is finally a plan and a cohesive team beginning to take shape. Today Arsenal will offer a threat if anything, more severe than Newcastle and it is unlikely that the Gunners’ frontmen will have such a bad day at the office as was suffered by Alexander Isak.

West Ham’s starting eleven has very rarely been consistent, either through the head coach’s incessant tinkering or as injury and suspension have dictated. Today in the late fixture Lopetegui has Edson Alvarez back from suspension but Mohammed Kudus still serving the last game of his 5 match ban.

Lopetegui himself has been banned from the touchline for his third yellow card in the dugout. At least the players won’t have to decipher his shouted instructions and frantic gestures – for better or worse- this afternoon.

The starting XI has just been announced and it is the same as started against Newcastle on Monday:

West Ham United Starting Line Up V Arsenal:

Fabianski | Wan Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson | Soucek, Soler, Paquetá | Summerville, Antonio, Bowen (c)

Don’t forget to check back at Half Time for Gonzo’s thoughts, along with his ‘Player Ratings‘ and my ‘Final score – First Impression‘ report after the game.