Arsenal line-ups vs West Ham as Calafiori and White start, Lewis-Skelly rested, Merino decision made as West Ham star ruled out of Arsenal clash through injury…

Arsenal’s line-up against West Ham features Calafiori and White in the starting positions, while Lewis-Skelly is rested and Merino is on the bench.

As Arsenal prepares to return to Premier League action this weekend, they will face West Ham following the announcement of their Champions League last-16 opponents, PSV Eindhoven.

A victory could narrow the gap to Liverpool to just five points, with the Reds set to play Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

This weekend could prove pivotal for the Gunners, especially with a challenging match against a strong Nottingham Forest side just four days later.

Concerns about squad fitness persist, with various unconventional suggestions circulating.

To secure the league title, Arsenal must avoid dropping points. With the competition tightening, this match against West Ham is crucial, as is the upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The quick turnaround between matches presents a challenge in selecting the optimal squad.

Utilizing a change in full-backs could provide tactical benefits, with Riccardo Calafiori better suited for progression at home, while Myles Lewis-Skelly may offer more control in the away match.

I would not recommend starting Mikel Merino in the forward position. When I discussed the impact of his previous performance with Mikel Arteta, he acknowledged that the context of Merino’s late-game success was significant. It remains to be seen if he will start on Saturday.

Raheem Sterling received a mixed reception from some Arsenal fans last weekend, but I would opt to start him in this match, keeping Merino as a substitute for this game and considering him for the next.

Arsenal Starting XI against West Ham: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling.

On Saturday, Arsenal aims to secure their fourth consecutive victory in the Premier League, which would significantly increase the pressure on Liverpool to perform against Manchester City. The Gunners have only allowed one goal in their last three matches, and I anticipate a strong defensive performance in this encounter as well.

David Raya will undoubtedly be in goal, supported by Gabriel and William Saliba in central defense. Myles Lewis-Skelly retains his position at left-back, where he will need to effectively neutralize Jarrod Bowen. On the right, I would opt to rest Jurrien Timber and give Ben White the opportunity to regain his match fitness.

In midfield, I would select Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard, with Jorginho available on the bench to provide stability if necessary.

I would also maintain the same attacking trio that started against Leicester last weekend, meaning Mikel Merino will start on the bench while Raheem Sterling is given a crucial opportunity to shine.

Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling.