In a positive update ahead of their match against West Ham, Arsenal is riding high on confidence following a dominant 5-0 victory against Sheffield United over the weekend. The Gunners have a chance to progress to the quarterfinals of the competition with a win in this match.
In terms of injuries, Martin Odegaard, who was rested in the previous weekend, might also be given a rest for this game.
Unfortunately, three players are set to miss this encounter, with Jurrien Timber being a long-term absentee, expected to remain sidelined for several more months. Timber’s absence is a significant loss due to his versatility and the options he brings to the team.
Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus are the other two players on the injury list. While their return is anticipated in the near future, Mikel Arteta will need to find suitable solutions without them for the time being. The return of Mohamed Elneny to action is a positive development, providing additional support to the midfield.
The Carabao Cup holds significance for Arsenal, a competition in which they have reached the final stages in the past but have not clinched the trophy for quite some time. While Arteta’s primary focus remains on winning the Premier League or the Champions League, adding this trophy to his collection is an appealing prospect.
Facing West Ham is always a challenging task, and they appear to be in good form this season, even after the departure of their star player, Declan Rice. While Rice is unlikely to feature against Arsenal, West Ham possesses enough talent to pose a threat to the visitors.
Eddie Nketiah’s recent form provides a significant boost to the Gunners, and they will be eager to see the Englishman find the back of the net once again. Additionally, Arsenal will consider utilizing Kai Havertz’s aerial abilities against a physical West Ham side.
Arsenal’s chances of securing another trophy this season are promising, but they must not become complacent against West Ham. If the Gunners can maintain their usual fluidity and style of play, they should progress to the next round of the competition.
