ARSENAL take on struggling West Ham in a London derby this weekend.
But the Gunners will be without Lucas Torreira with the Uruguayan set to miss the rest of the season after breaking his ankle.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has stated that contract talks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start before the end of the campaign.
Follow all the latest updates from the Emirates below…
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Today is the day that Arsenal welcome West Ham to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta has dropped a hint that Pablo Mari will make his Premier League debut against the Hammers.
The January loan signing impressed on his competitive bow as the Gunners eased past Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
Arsenal boss Arteta said: “Well he has recovered really well from that game.
“He had 45 minutes with the Under-23s four days before that game.
“He played 90 minutes, he said he’s physically good, he trained well and I think he’s ready to play if we need him to do on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Arteta has a big decision to make as to who starts up front.
Eddie Nketiah could get his time to shine in the top-flight after he was pictured looking lively during Friday’s training session.
Elsewhere, reports claim the boss wants a “ruthless clear-out” at the Emirates to pave the way for new signings.
The Daily Mail claim this could lead to the exit of Matteo Guendouzi, Sokratis, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mesut Ozil.
Arteta has also admitted that the club have not yet discussed whether to make the loan deal of Dani Ceballos into a permanent move.
Will he get his chance against the Hammers? We’ll see.
TAKING THE MIC
Michael Owen reckons Arsenal will beat West Ham.
Writing for Betvictor, he said: “Arsenal have enjoyed two wins on the bounce in the leaguewith young starlet Bukayo Saka proving pivotal in both victories.
“A resounding victory at home against Southampton last week isn't enough to make up for West Ham's unconvincing away record that's keeping them anchored to the bottom half of the table.
“I'm going with Arsenal to continue their winning ways at West Ham's expense.”
STAT ATTACK
Here's how things look ahead of Arsenal's clash against West Ham.
- Hammers have won just one the past eight Premier League matches between the two clubs.
- Arsenal have won four home games on the bounce against West Ham in all competitions.
- West Ham have lost 30 top-flight league matches against the Gunners.
EUR JOKING
Europe's highest wage bills for 2018/19 have been released…
GIFT OF THE GAB
Everton are attempting to hi-jack Arsenal’s move for Lille star Gabriel Magalhaes.
The 22-year-old defender has caught the eye with his displays in the French top-flight and Champions League.
Tottenham were allegedly offered the chance to sign the Brazilian in January while the Gunners have allegedly made him one of their top summer targets.
Now The Independent claim Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton have joined the chase for the centre-half.
Source: Read Full Article
