After the euphoria of Tuesday night's Champions League heroics, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon knowing there's still domestic business to handle. The Gunners secured their place in the Champions League Final with a massive victory over Atletico Madrid, but Mikel Arteta now faces the challenge of quickly refocusing his squad ahead of a tricky London derby away to West Ham at the London Stadium.
Arteta has confirmed that both Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino will miss the trip, leaving Arsenal with limited rotation options following such an emotionally and physically draining European night. The biggest selection headache may come in midfield, where Arteta must carefully manage energy levels.
David Raya is expected to continue in goal behind a settled back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Riccardo Calafiori. Further forward, Martin Zubimendi could earn a starting spot to freshen up the midfield after Myles Lewis-Skelly's tireless shift against Atletico Madrid. Declan Rice should once again be central to everything Arsenal do against his former club, while Martin Odegaard may return to the lineup to provide greater control and creativity.
Bukayo Saka is almost certain to start despite his recent heavy workload, while Gabriel Martinelli's pace could prove a devastating weapon on the counter-attack away from home. Viktor Gyokeres is expected to continue leading the line after another powerful European display in midweek.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
West Ham may sit deep and attempt to frustrate Arsenal for long periods, but the visitors should still have enough quality to break them down if they maintain the same focus and intensity shown in Europe. Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham's biggest attacking threat, and Arsenal will need to stay alert during transitions after such a demanding midweek fixture. However, if Rice, Odegaard, and Saka can establish control early, Arsenal should create enough chances to secure another vital three points.