{"id":36302,"date":"2025-02-20T16:34:20","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T16:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/?p=36302"},"modified":"2025-02-20T16:34:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T16:34:20","slug":"will-mikel-merino-start-vs-west-ham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/news\/will-mikel-merino-start-vs-west-ham\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Mikel Merino Start vs West Ham? Paul Merson Weighs In on Arsenal\u2019s Lineup Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

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? <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Spanish midfielder made a decisive impact off the bench in Arsenal\u2019s previous match against Leicester<\/a>, scoring two late goals to secure a vital win.<\/p>\n

However, former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta will stick with Raheem Sterling<\/a> in the starting lineup despite Merino\u2019s heroics.<\/p>\n

Sterling or Merino? Arteta\u2019s Big Decision<\/h2>\n

The injury to Kai Havertz<\/a> forced Arteta to reshape his attack<\/a> against Leicester, opting for a front three of Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, this setup struggled to break down the opposition. Sterling, in particular, had a disappointing outing and was substituted in the second half.<\/p>\n

Merino\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

After this game-changing performance, many are calling for him to start from the off against West Ham on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\n

Should Mikel Merino lead the line vs West Ham? \ud83d\udca5 pic.twitter.com\/TZmhHHIXth<\/a><\/p>\n

— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) February 17, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n