Two former Gunners to start? Predicted West Ham XI against Arsenal
Two former Gunners to start? Predicted West Ham XI against Arsenal
© Imago
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui will not be barking orders from the touchline in Saturday's Premier League London derby with Arsenal at the London Stadium.
The Irons boss was yellow-carded for the third time this season in Monday's 2-0 victory over Newcastle United, meaning that he must serve a one-game ban for the capital clash.
Speaking of suspensions, Mohammed Kudus is also on the naughty step for the fifth and final game, but Edson Alvarez has served his two-match punishment and is eligible to return this weekend.
Niclas Fullkrug's calf injury is expected to render him unavailable, though, and the Irons were also dealt a fresh blow on Monday night, as Jean-Clair Todibo had to be taken off early in the second half.
The exact nature of Todibo's problem is still unclear, but one-time Arsenal man Dinos Mavropanos is waiting in the wings if needed, and the Greece international could be one of two former Gunners to make the first XI.
Lukasz Fabianski got the nod over Alphonse Areola at St James' Park and should reprise his role on account of his clean sheet, joining Max Kilman, Emerson Palmieri and rare goalscorer Aaron Wan-Bissaka in an otherwise unchanged backline.
Alvarez may also have to make do with a spot among the hosts' substitutes, as Carlos Soler justified his starting role on Monday night and could join Lucas Paqueta and Tomas Soucek in the centre again.
Kudus should immediately be reintroduced into the attacking trident when he returns, but for the time being, Crysencio Summerville should fill the void in the final third with Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Soler, Summerville; Antonio
> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this derby
Who will win Saturday's Premier League clash between West Ham and Arsenal?
West Ham United
Draw
Arsenal
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