Granit Xhaka vs Darren Fletcher
An unfortunate long-term injury to Santi Cazorla has given a mouth-watering opportunity to new recruit Xhaka. Although he has been fast adapting to the English style of game, he looked quite rusty in the last two games.
His area of operation remains a quintessential terrain where Arsenal must win the ball as soon as they lose it. And him failing to do it could cause huge troubles for the team as was evident last week.
Xhaka has won 44% of his average duels so far, which he needs to improve instantly. However, it is his 88% passing accuracy that has kept him in the team above the likes of Elneny and Ramsey.
Xhaka will have to win the duel against Albion’s central midfielder Fletcher.
Fletcher has been the pivot for West Brom’s team. It is his disciplined offensive and defensive movements that retain the flair in Baggies’ gameplay. He has started all games for the club scoring once and assisting once. He has completed 446 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 77%, of which 85% were forward passes.
Salomon Rondon vs Laurent Koscielny
Rondon could be lethal from crosses and set-pieces as he has shown us lately. And Arsenal could be susceptible to them as their displays have indicated.
Hence, Rondon would be packing a great threat. He has been brilliant this season scoring seven goals registering two assists so far. He has a shot accuracy of 38%.
Although Koscielny has been his solid self this season, the absence of Mustafi has disorganised his duties a bit. Gabriel looks quite nervy on the ball and Kos has to look after him too. He will have a tough task.
