Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign against eighth-placed West Bromwich Albion this weekend. Though a win wouldn’t be enough for the Gunners to jump back into top four, they would like to go into the international break strongly.
Team News-
West Bromwich Albion- Injuries haven’t been a huge concern for Tony Pulis this season given their safe approaching manner. Rather, mending the patchy form and finding the mentality would be a far bigger challenge for the Welsh manager. The only player to miss the big clash with Arsenal would be their winger Matt Phillips. He is yet to recover from the calf injury that he incurred last month.
Arsenal- Arsenal experienced a very rare scenario this week as two of their main players, Danny Welbeck and Mohamed Elneny, returned from their injuries well ahead of schedule and should be in contention for a start.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limped off during the FA Cup clash against Lincoln City quite early, giving way to Mesut Ozil. Wenger stated that he would be going for a late fitness test to gauge the extent of his hamstring injury. Kieran Gibbs also faces a doubt for the game. Santi Cazorla remains sidelined for the season.
Predicted Line-ups-
West Bromwich Albion (4-2-3-1)- Foster; Nyom, Evans, McAuley, Dawson; Yacob, Fletcher; Chadli, Livermore, Brunt; Rondon
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)- Cech; Monreal, Koscielny, Mustafi. Bellerin; Xhaka, Ramsey; Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott; Giroud.
Key Players-
West Bromwich Albion- While all eyes will definitely be on their star player, Nacer Chadli, who will have the task of unlocking Arsenal’s defence in the little chances they get on the counter, Pulis would expect Salomon Rondon takes them effectively if there is any chance of the Baggies causing an upset.
Goalie Ben Foster has been one of the best players Albion had this season. And given how busy he will be in this game as the Gunners would keep on banging the door incessantly till the last minute, he cannot afford any slip-ups.
Arsenal- No matter how compact Albion’s defence will be, Alexis Sanchez has every chance to get a shot on goal given his movements on the ball. The Chilean’s ability to lose his marker is unparalleled in the league and he will be a constant threat to the Baggies. An aerial approach will be essential to breach Pulis’ back line and Olivier Giroud should come in handy. The French forward clinched the winner in the reverse fixture in the 86th minute.
Mesut Ozil was seen in a deeper midfield role last game alongside Ramsey and the German’s delightful crosses inside the box would be Giroud’s biggest source of assists.
Odds
West Bromwich Albion @ 5.00
Draw @ 4.00
Arsenal @ 1.75
