Arsenal predicted XI tonight: Mikel Arteta drops Brazilian, 24-year-old replaces £7m man

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Arsenal will look to make it two wins in a row against a fellow Premier League side from the capital in tonight’s encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

After running out 3-0 winners at Fulham, Mikel Arteta’s charges host West Ham in an 8pm kickoff.

Although today’s opponents go into the Arsenal game on the back of a League Cup win over Charlton, their opening league game saw them lose 2-0 at home to Newcastle.

So who could Arteta pick to make up his starting XI tonight?

In goal, Bernd Leno is set to start, barring any unexpected late issues, while Matt Macey will most likely make the bench.

In front of the goalkeeper, David Luiz could be drafted back in after recovering from a neck problem and returning to full training.

The Brazilian’s return to the centre of the three-man defence could see Gabriel Magalhaes move to his compatriot’s left and Rob Holding remain on the right.

Crucially, this would mean Kieran Tierney deployed at left wing-back, while on the other flank, Hector Bellerin will likely retain his place.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka’s spot is assured, and while Mohamed Elneny was impressive against Fulham, Dani Ceballos is now back up to speed.

The 24-year-old, who rejoined Arsenal on loan this summer, will likely replace the £7million man.

Despite Willian being so good last weekend, Arteta could well opt to switch him for Nicolas Pepe, so as to rest the Brazilian and ensure the Gunners record signing gets game time.

Finally, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will likely complete the XI against the Hammers.

With a midweek League Cup trip to Leicester, Arteta could well use it as an opportunity to field the likes of Elneny, Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka and Cedric Soares then.

Arsenal predicted XI v West Ham (3-4-3): Leno; Holding, Luiz, Gabriel; Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Tierney; Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang