NICOLAS PEPE is set to be given the chance to revive Arsenal’s fortunes as well as his own with a return to the starting line-up against West Ham.
The club’s record signing, who has been left on the bench for both of Freddie Ljungberg’s first two games in charge, impressed with a lively cameo at Brighton.
Yet the Ivorian, who is still without a goal in open play, was unable to stop the Gunners falling to a 2-1 defeat to extend their worst run of form for 42 YEARS.
His return to the starting line-up is likely to see Mesut Ozil restored to his favoured No10 role after the German was forced out wide to accommodate Joe Willock.
Pepe vowed last week to get fitter and sharper to cut it at Arsenal after admitting that he deserves to be criticised for his slow start to life in England.
Yet Kieran Tierney, who was also brought on from the bench on Thursday, might miss out again after The Athletic revealed he has been struggling with a shoulder problem.
The Scottish International did train this weekend and will be expected to be in the squad to face West Ham, but it remains to be seen whether Ljungberg opts for caution and persists with Sead Kolasinac.
Bernd Leno will start with a back-line in front of him of David Luiz and Sokratis once more as the Gunners look for a first clean sheet since October 6.
It remains to be seen whether Rob Holding will play any part against the Hammers, with the north London club set to assess bruising to his left knee ahead of tonight’s meeting.
Matteo Guendouzi should return in midfield and start alongside Granit Xhaka, who has been trusted under Ljungberg since his captaincy bust-up.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to continue wide left leaving Alexandre Lacazette to lead the line at the London Stadium.
Ljungberg said: “It’s never easy when you sack a manager and you’re low on confidence.
“We started really well at Norwich. We started the second half really well and I was sure we were going to win the game and get going again.
“We get a sucker punch on a counter or as they play down one side.
“It’s hard to take but we keep plugging away.”
