Belgian star in line to start for Arsenal vs West Ham

Leandro Trossard is in line to start for Arsenal when they host West Ham United in the Premier League on Thursday night.

The Gunners maintained their top spot in the table last weekend following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

They will now face the Hammers after Christmas and the game promises to be a thriller, given the scoring form of both teams.

Ahead of the encounter, the Gunners are set to be without the services of Kai Havertz, who will be serving a one-game suspension.

The German picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign at Anfield and as a result, he has triggered a one-game league ban.

In his absence, manager Mikel Arteta is likely to field Leandro Trossard in the number eight position ahead of Emile Smith Rowe.

Smith Rowe has just returned from a knee injury and he has made just two cameo appearances off the bench across all competitions.

With a high intensity expected in the derby, Trossard could be backed for the role, considering his creativity and dribbling skills.