Arsenal fans are eagerly anticipating their crucial Premier League game against West Ham, with one pressing question on their minds: will Mikel Merino start vs West Ham?
The Spanish midfielder made a decisive impact off the bench in Arsenal’s previous match against Leicester, scoring two late goals to secure a vital win.
However, former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta will stick with Raheem Sterling in the starting lineup despite Merino’s heroics.
Sterling or Merino? Arteta’s Big Decision
The injury to Kai Havertz forced Arteta to reshape his attack against Leicester, opting for a front three of Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling.
Unfortunately, this setup struggled to break down the opposition. Sterling, in particular, had a disappointing outing and was substituted in the second half.
Merino’s introduction in the final 20 minutes turned the tide. His first goal, a well-placed header from a Nwaneri cross, broke the deadlock, while his composed first-time finish in stoppage time sealed the victory.
After this game-changing performance, many are calling for him to start from the off against West Ham on Saturday.
Should Mikel Merino lead the line vs West Ham? 💥 pic.twitter.com/TZmhHHIXth
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) February 17, 2025
Paul Merson’s Prediction: Merino to Start on the Bench
Despite Merino’s stellar display, Paul Merson believes Arteta will resist making changes to his attacking trio.
“Despite his goal in the last game, I think Merino will be left on the bench here,” Merson said. I expect Mikel Arteta to use the same front three he used against Leicester.
“If it doesn’t work out, he can always bring Merino on and hope for the same result.”
Merson also acknowledged Arsenal’s attacking struggles in the first 70 minutes against Leicester and emphasised the importance of securing a win against West Ham to keep their title hopes alive.
The Case for Merino to Start
While Merson’s prediction leans towards continuity, there are strong arguments in favour of Merino starting:
- Form & Confidence: Scoring two crucial goals off the bench is a strong statement, and playing him from the start could build on that momentum.
- Sterling’s Struggles: Sterling has yet to find his rhythm at Arsenal, and another ineffective display could force Arteta’s hand.
- Tactical Flexibility: Merino offers a different attacking profile that could help unlock West Ham’s defence, especially if they set up to frustrate Arsenal.
Who would you start on Saturday? pic.twitter.com/fqhnj7pLox
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) February 20, 2025
Will Merino Start vs West Ham?
While Merino’s performance against Leicester makes a strong case for inclusion, Arteta may stick with Sterling and keep Merino as an impact substitute.
However, if Arsenal struggle to break down West Ham, expect to see Merino introduced earlier this time.
West Ham will pose a tough challenge, particularly with their ability to strike on the counterattack, so it’s crucial that Arteta makes the right call here.
