Samir Nasri more than often plays his best for Arsenal when he is playing in Cesc Fabregas’ position but when the captain comes back into the team, Nasri gets pushed back to the wide position. Both Cesc and Nasri have not played more than a couple of games together in a three man midfield

There is a feeling that the Arsenal engine is beginning to purr rather nicely prior to the visit of West Ham to the Emirates stadium. The monkey was partly shaken off the back last weekend when ten men Manchester City got Nasri-ed. The rest of the monkey will be dislodged when Tottenham and Gareth Bale are put to the sword on the 20th November.

The not so appy Hammers have had a stop start but mainly stop, stop season so far and Avram Grant is starting to feel rather sweaty around the collar as they have only picked up one victory in nine games so far.

Arsene Wenger has a problem with injuries for this afternoons game. We do not have enough of them.

For the first time in quite a while, Arsene will have somewhat of a selection headache to have to overcome when he names his starting eleven. Arsenal’s very serious and experienced, no nonsense Carling Cup team was missing most of the players that beat big spending City but shhhh, lets not talk too much about that. Anyway his second string side performed well and a few of those players will be pushing for a starting berth.

The cobra is likely to regain his place in the side after a very impressive return to the first team after a back injury. I was astonished how Koscielny managed to perform at pretty much the same level he did before he was forced onto the sidelines, especially in his first season in English football. Without doubt, one of the signings of the season and I am sure he will become a fantastic player for Arsenal for the foreseeable future. On the downside, Johan Djourou could well be relegated to the substitutes bench as the experienced Sebastien Squillaci should return to the fold.

Guessing the rest of the back five should be straight forward, it is further up the pitch where competition really kicks in. Theo Walcott’s two goals in midweek and electric speed gives him a big chance of making the starting eleven on the right of the Arsenal attack, the trouble is Samir Nasri is currently occupying that same position and is one of our most influential players this season. Arsene has two choices, either playing Nasri on the left attack in place of Andrey Arshavin which would be controversial, especially as Arshavin had the night off on Wednesday, and would be raring to go.

Arsene’s other choice would be a very offensive and highly interesting choice. Samir Nasri more than often plays his best for Arsenal when he is playing in Cesc Fabregas’ position but when the captain comes back into the team, Nasri gets pushed back to the wide position. Both Cesc and Nasri have not played more than a couple of games together in a three man midfield. I suppose the reason for that is because Nasri is not naturally a ball winner, Not a tackler. Cesc could play as that second midfield position but his goals and assists further forward have been very important to Arsenal over the last few years.

Wenger usually picks an in between midfielder, someone who can put their foot in. Wilshere and Diaby will not be available whilst Denilson played the full 90 minutes against Newcastle after playing the full game against Manchester City last weekend. I cannot imagine that Wenger will pair both Nasri and Cesc together along with Alex Song but I am sure hoping that is the case. The idea of Cesc, Nasri. Arshavin and Walcott all interchanging at pace is pretty exciting.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

(Click image to enlarge)

One to watch: Theo Walcott

With 90 more minutes of sharpening under his belt along with his two goals, Theo should enter the Emirates pitch brimming with confidence. With the more creative players around him, I think he will get into some more goal scoring positions. I have a good feeling that Theo will continue to be amongst the goals again this afternoon.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

Arsenal 4 (Walcott [2], Cesc, Chamakh) West Ham 0

We need to continue picking up three points against these sides, especially at the Emirates. West Ham are bottom of the league and only a victory will do. Let us hope that our football and commitment can continue from our previous games.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS