[4-1-2-3]: TWO Academy attackers promoted, Nwaneri’s position changed and Merino as a striker- Arsenal predicted lineup against West Ham United as Mikel Arteta promotes Three academy players to the first-team squad
West Ham have been dealt a blow ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to London rivals Arsenal.
Graham Potter’s West Ham lost 1-0 to Brentford last weekend, meaning the former Chelsea and Brighton manager has won just one of his opening six games in charge of the Hammers.
As such, the Irons sit 16th in the Premier League table and need to raise morale between now and the end of the season. While relegation seems unthinkable right now, more poor form could leave Potter’s side vulnerable.
Lucas Paqueta has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in training, with Potter confirming on Thursday: “It was a training incident. Just an innocuous one, he went over on his ankle in a collision with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He has rolled his ankle.
“He will be missing for the [Arsenal] game and probably Leicester as well. We will see how he it is but it is swollen a bit. We will take it day-by-day but I would imagine a week or two he will be away.”
Paqueta absence could see Evan Ferguson handed a first start since joining from Brighton on loan.
Crysencio Summerville is facing a few weeks out of action with a hamstring injury, while Vladimir Coufal is expected to miss out.
Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio are long-term absentees.
West Ham predicted XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Kudus, Soler, Ferguson
Injured: Summerville, Paqueta, Fullkrug, Antonio, Coufal
Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday 22 February 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV channel and live stream: Not available in the UK
