With Manchester City hosting Liverpool in the late evening fixture, Arsenal can go to the summit of the Premier League, albeit temporarily, with a victory over West Brom today. The Gunners had such an opportunity a fortnight ago but they had to claw out a draw from the jaws of defeat in the hands of Tottenham.

With the international break over, Wenger would be hoping that there would be no disjointed performances from the players. Many of the lads have traveled from various locations around the world and it’s expected for some measure of tiredness to creep in before they get into the hang of things.

West Brom will certainly not be pushovers, especially with a manager like Tony Pulis their ranks. In 12 Premier League games played so far, the Baggies have kept half a dozen clean sheets. In this fixture, the record books don’t favor West Brom as they have amassed just two wins in their 18 Premier League meetings with Arsenal (D3 L13), and are without a win against the Gunners in the last nine top-flight clashes. Arsenal’s away record is also very impressive with the Gunners earning 31 points from a possible 36.

Arsenal Team News

Speaking on Arsenal Player, Arsene Wenger confirmed that Hector Bellerin will be the only player available for selection with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a couple of days away from full fitness. The manager also made mention about Laurent Koscielny’s ‘state of mind’ because it has been a tumultuous period for those associated with France. I expect Kos to take a professional approach and get on with his business.

Wenger shared his thoughts ahead of the game,

“I watched [West Brom] against Man United and they looked a very well organised team which is absolutely – as always with Tony Pulis – fully committed.

“On top of that they are in a difficult situation a little bit in the Premier League and you expect what you always expect in the Premier League – a committed, physical, fast game and a game where we cannot afford to make any mistakes.”

Arsenal will be weary of the threat West Brom poses aerially as they have scored five headed goals in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal Injury / Suspension News

Jack Wilshere (ankle), Tomas Rosicky (knee), Danny Welbeck (knee), Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring), Theo Walcott (calf)

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

West Brom Team News

Ben Foster is still out with his knee injury but Boaz Myhill has deputized well in his stead, earning himself six clean sheets as well as some outstanding performances in goal. I would expect Pulis to put up a very physical side that would attempt to smother the Gunners from playing their free-flowing football.

West Brom Injury / Suspension News

Ben Foster (knee), Chris Brunt (groin), James McAuley (suspension), Serge Gnabry (can’t play parent team)

West Brom Predicted Lineup

Team Form

Arsenal

• Last Five Games: W L W L D
• Last Result: Arsenal 1 (Gibbs 79′) – Tottenham 1 (Kane 34′)
• Leading Goalscorer: Olivier Giroud (8)

West Brom

• Last Five Games: L W W L L
• Last Result: Manchester United 2 (Lingard 52′, Mata 90′)– West Brom 0
• Leading Goalscorer: Salomon Rondon (3)

Gooner Daily predicts a narrow 2 – o win.

Sayonara.

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