We’ve picked out our Arsenal and West Ham combined team ahead of the two sides meeting at the Emirates this week.
Thursday night sees Arsenal host West Ham in the Premier League – with the two sides second and seventh in the table respectively.
Ahead of the clash, we have chosen a combined team made up of players from both sides. While it’s just our opinion, we have tried to be as fair as possible, using the stats to settle any close calls.
The lineup is also based only on players currently fit and available, which explains one or two absentees. As for a formation, we have opted for a 4-3-3 as the best shape to suit our chosen squad.
Arsenal And West Ham Combined XI
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal)
Between the sticks, we have opted for Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya. The Spaniard has so far earned five clean sheets from 13 Premier League matches, though has allowed in more than his 9.2 expected goals (12).
However, he’s still a better pick than Irons keeper Alphonse Areola, who has just two clean sheets in his 15 games this season.
Defenders
Ben White (Arsenal)
Starting off the defence is right-back Ben White. The England international has played well so far this season, starting 15 of Arsenal’s 18 games to date.
With a goal and two assists, he gets the nod over West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal thanks to his stronger defensive capabilities, despite Coufal’s five assists.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Gunners centre back Saliba has been excellent this campaign. As well as providing a goal and an assist, he has been a part of seven clean sheets in the league this year.
Arsenal have conceded just 16 times in the league this season, the joint-fewest of any side.
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Partnering Saliba at the back is another of Mikel Arteta’s men. Brazilian Gabriel has also scored once and been involved in five of Arsenal’s clean sheets this season.
The pairing of Saliba and Gabriel have been crucial for their side this year, and link up again in our Arsenal and West Ham combined XI. With just one clean sheet in 15 games, West Ham’s Kurt Zouma misses out.
Emerson Palmieri (West Ham)
One West Ham man who does make the team is Emerson Palmieri. The 29-year old joined in August 2022 after winning the Europa League with Chelsea in 2019.
After a solid debut season, he has really kicked on this year and been one of David Moyes’ most useful players. It’s a close call between Emerson and Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, but we’ve opted for Emerson on this occasion.
Midfielders
Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
Moving into midfield, we start with another Brazilian – Lucas Paqueta. One of the most influential men in David Moyes’ squad, Paqueta has 10 goals and 12 assists for West Ham since arriving last season.
But Paqueta’s importance to West Ham goes far beyond his goal involvements. Constantly in the middle of everything his side creates, Paqueta is the heartbeat of the Irons midfield, and will look to do the same in our combined XI.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Next up is former West Ham captain, Declan Rice. The 24-year-old notched up 245 appearances for the Hammers, netting 15 goals in that time.
Since his £100 million move across London in the summer, he has three goals and two assists in all competitions. The perfect defensive midfielder to protect our back four, Rice allows Paqueta and the rest of the midfield to roam further forwards.
Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
Completing our midfield trio is Arsenal skipper, Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian also captains his national side, and has developed into a real leader under Mikel Arteta.
Last season, he racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League, and has seven and four so far in 2023/24. An aggressive and hard-working player, he is well deserving of a place in our side.
Attackers
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Now we move on to the attacking three in our 4-3-3 system, starting with Bukayo Saka. At just 22 years old, the England star has already made 203 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 45 times.
He also has 52 assists and is one of the most creative wingers in the Premier League. A key part of the new generation of Arsenal players, Saka walks in to our combined XI.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
One of West Ham’s most important players for several years now, Bowen is a crucial figure for David Moyes.
The England international already has 13 goals and four assists in all competitions this campaign, and is a shoe in on the opposite flank to Saka.
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
Rounding off our combined XI is Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus. The Irons front man has been in fine form the the London club with 13 goals in 26 appearances this season.
Another very tight selection here, Kudus just edges it over Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah, who has also been in great form.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
