Mikel Arteta drops major starting XI hint on two Arsenal stars ahead of West Ham clash

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has dropped hints regarding Eddie Nketiah and Declan Rice's involvement in tomorrow's Carabao Cup clash against West Ham United. The Gunners travel to the London Stadium on Wednesday night to take on the Hammers, with a win booking them a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, Arteta has a number of big decisions to make regarding his starting XI, with plenty of rotation expected from the Spaniard. All eyes will be on midfielder Rice, who joined the north London outfit from West Ham for a club-record £105million during the summer transfer window.

When asked if the England international will feature against his former club, Arteta remained coy. «He is likely,» the Spaniard replied when asked if the 24-year-old would be involved.

«He can be involved, it will be his first time at his old club.» Arsenal centre-forward Nketiah will be hoping to continue his fine form if he is handed a start, having netted his first-ever Premier League hat-trick on Saturday as his side defeated Sheffield United 5-0.

Ahead of tomorrow's short trip across the capital, Arteta admitted that he needs to be careful regarding the Hale End academy graduate's minutes. «Both, we have to be conscious,» the Gunners manager replied when asked if Nketiah should be rested or if he should play to continue momentum.

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«He hasn't started a lot of games in the Premier League. When players are like this, they have to be used.»

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