How Arsenal could line up vs West Ham ahead of Boxing Day cracker

• Mikel Arteta will be without key players when Arsenal take on West Ham on Monday night, December 26
• Gabriel Jesus is the standout name from the players who will miss the tie, with the Brazilian sidelined with an injury
• In his absence, Arteta is expected to deploy youngster Gabriel Martinelli in the attack to lead the goal hunt

Arsenal are scheduled to take on London rivals West Ham United ahead of the resumption of the Premier League on Boxing Day.

The match comes at a time the Gunners are topping the charts after a dream start to their Premier League campaign.

The north Londoners have lost only once after 14 outings in an incredible run that has seen them pick 37 points in the process.

Arsenal will now be hoping to continue with their impressive run when they play the Hammers in their next fixture.

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However, according to The Sun Mikel Arteta will have to rethink his team set-up for the Monday, December 26, cracker, with the Spaniard set to miss the services of Gabriel Jesus.

Possible Arsenal starting XI vs West Ham

Aaron Ramsdale will undoubtedly keep his place between the sticks, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba taking charge at the heart of defence.

The two centre-backs are expected to be joined by Ben White and Kieran Tierney, who is billed to displace Oleksandr Zinchenko on the right.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey could be deployed in the midfield, with the trio of Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka playing higher up on the pitch.

In the absence of Jesus, his fellow countryman Gabriel Martinelli could be slotted in attack to lead the goal hunt.

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Zinchenko backs Nketiah

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has backed Eddie Nketiah to successfully fill the void left by Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus, who joined the Gunners in the summer has played a central role in the club's impressive start to the Premier League.

The Brazilian star has already scored five goals in the English top flight to help the north Londoners launch a serious title bid.