Who Should Start When Arsenal Takes on West Ham?

Arsenal will look to carry their good form and keep their title hopes intact when they face West Ham. The Gunners are in sensational form with a run of five straight league wins. Their form has ensured that they are right back in the title race.

However, West Ham are no easy opponents even if they are struggling for form. Arsenal do boast home ground advantage and the great news that captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas returns from injury.

So who should start for the Gunners:

Goalkeeper

Manuel Almunia is looking less shaky each week and with no huge mistakes of late the Spaniard will stay as the first choice keeper and Lukasz Fabianski will be the back up. Promising youth Vito Mannone will have to remain at third choice.

Defence

William Gallas is still struggling with a calf injury and is not expected to feature. The Frenchman has missed Arsenal's last six encounters but thankfully Sol Campbell has been an able performer in his place. With Arsenal not appearing in mid week it is unlikely Wenger will opt to rest Bacary Sagna, so expect to see a routine backline bar Gallas.

Midfield

Cesc Fabregas is expected to appear after overcoming a hamstring injury that kept him out of Arsenal's last gasp win against Hull City. The captain's return signifies a stronger midfield. Abou Diaby and Alexandre Song look set to partner him, with Song taking the defensive duties and Diaby menacing down the left.

Forwards

Nicklas Bendtner is in outstanding form and will look to continue his current goal scoring prowess. Bendtner will play the lone striker role whilst Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri should have the wings. Nasri could have a surprise role in the midfield if Wenger chooses skill and creativity over strength and power. Theo Walcott could start too.

Substitutes

Lukasz Fabianski will have the back up keeper job whilst Mikael Silvestre and Armand Traore should be the back up defenders. Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, and Emmanuel Eboue will most likely have spots with Theo Walcott the forward on the bench. Eduardo Da Silva, Fran Merida, and Carlos Vela may warrant a place on the seven man bench.

So it's a game Arsenal needs and should win, but when these sides met in October Arsenal gave up a two nil lead to draw two all. Furthermore the Gunners had Robin van Persie.