Predicting The Arsenal Starting XI For Their Match Against West Ham

Arsenal will encounter West Ham this weekend in what could potentially be another thrilling, goal fueled London derby. The Gunners have returned to form after consecutive Premier League losses to West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, with four consecutive wins in all competitions.

The Hammers reinstated confidence into themselves, and fans, after a 3-1 win over Stoke City midweek in the Carling Cup. However Avram Grant's men have not suceeded in the League since September and boast an mere one win from five away games this season.

With the London derby staged at the Emirates against a near full strength, inform Arsenal outift, West Ham will have their work cut out, but the Gunners will need to ensure they maintain a winning mindset as the Arsenal faithful have already had to endure a loss at home to West Bromwich Albion.

With a number of players returning from injury, Arsene Wenger will have some selection issues considering 14 of his men played midweek in the 4-0 Carling Cup win over Newcastle United.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first choice keeper Manuel Almunia is still nursing an elbow injury suffered in September and will miss the encounter. This comes as no hardship as deputy Lukasz Fabianski has been in fine form deputizing for the Spaniard and many believe the Polish shot stopper has overtaken Almunia in the pecking order.

Boom youngster Wojciec Szczensy, who impressed greatly against Newcastle United midweek, will return to the bench.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen is still out with a niggling Achilles injury, but Laurent Koscienly made his comeback from a leg injury against the Magpies in the Carling Cup and provided an assured performance in the central defence. Johan Djourou has appeared in the last four Arsenal matches and is due for a deserved break. The Swiss is likely to be replaced by Frenchman Sebastien Squillaci to partner Koscienly in the middle.

Bacary Sagna will as expected be given the right back role with Gael Clichy on the left. Emmanuel Eboue will return to the bench and due to an injury to English international Kieran Gibbs, sustained midweek, the 21-year-old will be absent for at least a month.

Midfielders

Captain Cesc Fabregas, Alexandre Song and playmaker Samir Nasri were all rested for the Newcastle clash and will return to the heart of the midfield. The trio are in immense form and will play a vital role if Arsenal are to succeed.

Fabregas will don the right central role with Song in the defensive midfield position and Samir Nasri will be on the left. Abou Diaby is still absent with an ankle injury and young gun Jack Wilshere has one more game on his suspension regime and will miss the clash.

There is a chance Wenger may utilize Nasri as a winger and bring in Samba star Denilson but the Brazilian played midweek and against Manchester City last weekend and is likely to start from the bench.

Forwards

Robin van Persie is still battling an ankle ligament injury but is expected to return to full fitness next week. Marouane Chamakh will continue to impress as the lone striker with Andrei Arshavin on the left wing and Theo Walcott or Tomas Rosicky likeliest to start on the right.

Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela were both starters against Newcastle and are expected to be listed on the substitutes bench.

Substitutes

With seven places up for grabs on Wenger's bench, Wojciec Szczensy will have to back up keeper role and Johan Djourou and Emmanuel Eboue will back up the defenders. Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendnter and Carlos Vela the deputy attackers.

What appears as a relatively simple challenge for the Gunners is the type of game which defines a season and Wenger will be eager to enforce the importance of the encounter.