West Ham
West Ham will face off against Arsenal in their next Premier League game
West Ham sit 18th in the Premier League table and face one of their toughest tests of the season when Arsenal visit the London Stadium on Sunday, 10 May. The Hammers need to find their best form of the campaign; otherwise, they could fall four points adrift by the time they travel to Newcastle a week later. With a clean bill of health across the squad, Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to name a strong side. I’m backing West Ham to set up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Mads Hermansen starting between the posts.
The defensive and midfield setup
Kyle Walker-Peters should start at right-back, while Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi pair up in the heart of the defence. Malick Diouf is likely to take the left-back slot, though his discipline remains a major concern after a shaky few weeks.
In midfield, Tomás Souček and Mateus Fernandes will be tasked with anchoring the centre, providing grit and hard work. Out wide, Jarrod Bowen will look to cause chaos on the right by pressing high and running in behind Arsenal’s backline. On the opposite flank, Crysencio Summerville’s directness and runs will be key to stretching the Gunners’ defence.
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The attacking threat West Ham will rely on
Pablo Fornals will likely play in the hole just behind the main striker, using his movement to bridge the gap between the midfield and the final third. Valentín Castellanos is set to lead the line as the focal point; West Ham will need him to use his strength to hold the ball up against a very composed Arsenal defence.
The visitors arrive on a massive high after reaching the Champions League final and still need maximum points to secure their first league title in 22 years, meaning Nuno’s side are facing a highly motivated opponent.
West Ham have to stay compact and look for openings on the break, as sitting back too deep will only invite the kind of pressure that has cost them before. This selection gives them the best possible shot at scrapping for the points needed to keep their survival hopes alive.
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West Ham United (4-4-1-1): Mads Hermansen – Kyle Walker-Peters, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Axel Disasi, Malick Diouf – Jarrod Bowen, Tomás Soucek, Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville – Pablo – Valentín Castellanos.
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