Former England international forward Alan Smith has tipped Mesut Ozil to start this weekend’s clash between Arsenal and West Ham United.

Ozil was taken off by Unai Emery mid-way through the second half during their defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

However, Smith does not believe the Spanish tactician will drop Ozil so soon.

“I’m not predicting Ozil will be dropped. His attributes might actually suit a contest requiring imagination when the visitors drop back to defend in numbers,” Smith told the Evening Standard.

Ozil recently put pen-to-paper on a bumper new contract and earns approximately £350,000 per week.

The former Germany international is currently Arsenal’s highest-earning player.

See More: Arsenal v West Ham – Probable Lineups – Emery facing injury problems in defender, Ozil fit to start

Arsenal will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host the Hammers at the Emirates today. The Gunners suffered defeats to Man City and Chelsea in their opening two games of the season.

West Ham also comes into today’s clash off the back of two defeats.

Ozil endured a turbulent summer which resulted in him quitting the Germany national team. The 29-year-old provided 14 assists and scored five goals in 35 games for the Gunners last season.