The West Ham Lineup That Should Start Against Arsenal

Even by today's more reactive standards, the speed in which West Ham United have slipped into crisis is almost impressive.

The Hammers were insipid during their defeat to Newcastle last Saturday and, after a pre-season that redefined the word 'tumultuous', the hopes of supporters are already at rock bottom.

However, fans should not despair just yet. While some would take Tuesday's victory over Charlton Athletic as indication that West Ham have found their level, the performances of some of their attacking players give reason for some much needed hope.

Sebastien Haller scored twice, Felipe Anderson notched a goal, while Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko were impressive. All will be pushing to start at Arsenal on Saturday.

While this game would appear to be a home banker, West Ham have pushed Arsenal close on their last two visits to the Emirates. Here's how we think they should line-up to be third time lucky.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Łukasz Fabiański (GK) - The Hammers goalkeeper has not quite recaptured his form from the 2018/19 season, but remains an indispensable figure at the club. Needs to be on top form if West Ham want a result.

Ryan Fredericks (RB) - Has his critics among West Ham fans, but did an impressive job of keeping Allan Saint-Maximin quiet last week. Will need another big performance against Arsenal's in-form attackers.

Issa Diop (CB) - Despite questions over his positional awareness, it is hard to shake the impression that Diop would thrive in a better side.

Angelo Ogbonna (CB) - The Italian centre back had his best season in claret and blue last year. Increasingly viewed as a club stalwart, Ogbonna will be tasked with keeping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet.

Arthur Masuaku (LB) - Masuaku would offer more going forward than Aaron Cresswell. Thrived during David Moyes' first spell as manager two years ago.

2. Midfielders

Jarrod Bowen (RM) - The English winger impressed last season, but was quiet against Newcastle last time out. Willing to run at defenders, West Ham will need Bowen's ingenuity to surprise Arsenal's defence.

Declan Rice (CM) - Still a West Ham player for now, the midfielder will need to demonstrate maturity beyond his years to ensure his team maintain a foothold in midfield.

Tomas Soucek (CM) - Signed in January, his impact has been compared by some to Marouane Fellaini's at Everton. With a happy habit of scoring from set pieces, Arsenal will need to closely monitor the gangly Czech.

Pablo Fornals (LM) - Has not lived up to his billing after signing from Villarreal, but his industriousness has gone down well with David Moyes. Will need to help his full-back combat the threat of Willian.

3. Strikers

Sebastien Haller (ST) - The much maligned striker should be recalled to the starting lineup after two goals against Charlton during the week.

Michail Antonio (ST) - Like most of his teammates, Antonio was ineffective against Newcastle. However, the burly forward remains West Ham's talisman and most likely producer of goals. Can test both Arsenal centre backs.