West Ham v Arsenal – Carabao Cup Preview

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Arsenal look to build on their recent good form when they travel to West Ham in the Carabao Cup. We preview the action.

Arsenal travel to the London Stadium full of confidence. The Gunners come off the back of four games which saw them break their hoodoo against champions Manchester City, earn a hard-fought point at the Bridge and claim an important European away victory. The cherry on the cake was their 5-0 demolition job at Bramhall Lane at the weekend.

Arsenal were a much-changed side on Saturday with Kiwior, Zinchenko, Havertz, Smith Rowe and Nketiah all returning to the fold. The latter took full advantage, marking his return to the side with a hat-trick. Arteta now faces a selection dilemma. The goalkeeping debate continues to rumble on. Despite recent shaky performances, Raya kept his spot between the sticks at the weekend. Aaron Ramsdale’s last appearance for the Gunners was in the EFL Cup where he kept a clean sheet against Brentford. The England international is likely to return in net for Arsenal’s trip to West Ham.

There is also some debate surrounding the left-back position. Having filled in for the injured Zinchenko, Tomiyasu has been performing exceptionally well. A Man of the Match performance in Seville and a goal against Sheffield United have only furthered his reputation. Whilst Zinchenko was back in the starting XI at the weekend, many believe that it was a one off, owing to his superior attacking credentials against the defensive set-up of the Blades. Whether Arteta chooses to stick or twist with the Ukrainian, only time will tell.

The Carabao Cup has not been kind to Arsenal in recent years. Indeed, the Gunners have won the competition on just two occasions: the last time being 1993. However, Arsenal have equally lost just one of their last six fourth-round ties – an incredible 5-5 draw at Anfield which they eventually lost on penalties.

Their opponents West Ham have often proved tricky opponents. The Gunners have failed to win in three of their last five visits to the London Stadium. The Hammers go into tomorrow’s game off the back of a disappointing run of form. The termination of their 17-game unbeaten streak in Europe was wedged in the middle of a 4-1 thumping at Villa Park and a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to struggling Everton.

Arsenal go into the game as favourites but with a lengthening injury list and an important trip to St James’ Park in mind, Arteta is set to greatly rotate his squad. Moyes will likely make few changes and recent home form against the Gunners is some cause for optimism.

Team News

Despite a milestone booking at the weekend, Lucas Paqueta is available due to a postponed suspension, carried to the following weekend.

Edison Alvarez is suspended and will most likely be replaced by the returning Emerson Palmeiri.

Former Gunner Lukas Fabianski gets his chance between the sticks.

Arsenal are likely to make an array of changes, with a chance for forgotten squad players such as Elneny and Reiss Nelson to impress.

Vieira came off the bench at the weekend, following some lengthy time on the sidelines and will almost certainly start. Trossard looks set to start up front.