Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Sun 10 May 2026 15:18, UK

West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo has named his starting eleven to face league leaders Arsenal, and it does not include Pablo.

The Hammers host the Gunners at the London Stadium this Sunday, in a game of colossal importance to the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side can edge themselves closer to their first league title in over 20 years with a win in E20, while Nuno’s men need a victory to ease relegation fears.

The Irons are currently occupying the third and final spot in the drop zone, but a win would put pressure on relegation rivals Tottenham before they face Leeds United on Monday.

However, Nuno has benched Pablo, and it could have a pivotal knock-on effect for West Ham.

Nuno Espirito Santo names XI for battle with Arsenal

West Ham tend to ruin Arsenal’s title hopes in recent years, but they need that omen to fall their way more than ever.

This is more than London rivalry; it’s about survival for Nuno’s side, as you’d imagine a loss would give Tottenham all the belief they need to put themselves out of sight, with just three games currently remaining.

As seen in the table above, the Hammers dented Arsenal’s push for the title last season at the Emirates Stadium with a 1-0 away win courtesy of a first-half Jarrod Bowen finish.

What the Hammers would do for something similar today.

As seen via West Ham’s official X account, Nuno has opted against playing Pablo this time, after several poor calls in the past.

The Brazilian needed to be dropped, and Nuno has done the right thing here, and it could even alter the Hammers’ season.

What does Pablo need to do in order to improve?

Pablo looks like a Championship-level player at the moment and seems to be a waste of an eight-figure fee for David Sullivan.

The striker clearly has poor ability with the ball at his feet, and Nuno doesn’t help him by usually playing him in behind Taty Castellanos.

Pablo for West Ham in PL:

• Games: 11
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 1

But even worse than his build-up play is his lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. Instead of trying to be too neat and do everything right, the 22-year-old needs to play to his own strengths.

He clearly has an advantage over opponents with his height and strength, so a start to improve would be for him to throw his body at the ball in the box a little more.

If he manages to make it off the bench, then let’s see if he can offer Nuno what will be needed against strong opponents.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of the London Stadium.