West Ham predicted XI vs Arsenal – Mads Hermansen returns in brutal double change
West Ham take on Arsenal on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium in Nuno Espirito Santo’s second game in charge.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side showed signs of improvement in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Everton on Monday evening.
The Hammers will look to continue their positivity against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have enjoyed a solid start to the season, with four wins, one draw, and a defeat in their opening six.
With Jarrod Bowen at his best for West Ham, and another international break to follow, the Irons will be looking to get back to winning ways against Arsenal.
Konstantinos Mavropanos to keep his place for West Ham
The Hammers’ defence looked better against Everton in comparison to what it was under Graham Potter.
Max Kilman, who has played under Nuno at Wolves, looked more solid in the backline as he helped Nuno’s side defend from open play.
However, Konstantinos Mavropanos was caught off guard from a corner as Michael Keane managed to open the scoring with an unmarked header.
Goals conceded from set pieces have become something supporters have been used to this season, with eight goals coming from corners already.
Fortunately for the Greek international, Nuno doesn’t have many options at the back, and it is unlikely Jean-Clair Todibo will return after a falling out with Potter.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also replace Kyle Walker-Peters on the right, showing a ruthless streak from Nuno to adapt in each game.
Igor Julio is an option, but given his lack of football under Potter, Nuno will likely stick with Mavropanos against a tough opponent.
Mads Hermansen to return in place of Alphonse Areola
Alphonse Areola has started the last two for West Ham, but could be dropped for Saturday’s clash.
His competitor, Mads Hermansen, has yet to get going for the Hammers so far this season, but showed his quality for Leicester in a tough 2024-25 campaign for the Foxes.
In the past, Nuno has taken his time to decide on a number one, with Keylor Navas starting for Nottingham Forest before he was succeeded by Matz Sels last season.
Going into the international break, the Portuguese manager will be eager to have a look at the Danish goalkeeper and make a decision on his new number one.
Other than that, there will likely be no changes for the Hammers after a strong performance against the Toffees earlier in the week.
That means stars such as Crysencio Summerville, Lucas Paqueta, and Mateus Fernandes will keep their places in a quick attacking side, looking to cause some damage on the break.
All eyes are on the Emirates.
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