Arsenal make the trip to the Midlands this Saturday, as West Brom welcome them to the Hawthorns in both teams’ 13th league match of the season.
The Gunners are doing well and remain in a strong place in the league despite their most recent match. Missing out on pole position only by goal difference, their run of fixtures in this winter period will prove crucial whilst building up to the match against Manchester City at the end of next month.
Just under two weeks ago, Arsenal hosted the first north London derby of the league season. It was quite a disappointing showing by Arsenal especially in the middle sections of the match, in which they gave their rivals too much of the ball and too much space to work with. Nonetheless, Mesut Özil still whipped in a good cross for his tenth assist of the league season in the later stages of the game to secure a point.
Over the international break, a number of Arsenal players represented their countries. Petr Cech became the joint most capped player in Czech history, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud scored against England and Germany respectively, with Alexis Sanchez, Kieran Gibbs, David Ospina, Gabriel and Joel Campbell, Wojciech Szczesny all featuring also. Not too stressful of an international break then for Arsène Wenger, with not many of his men travelling to their national teams.
West Brom sit a comfortable 13th in the Premier League. They’ve carried on the iconic strong defensive style that Tony Pulis brought last year, also having a physical focal point in Salomon Rondon up front in which the wingers can supply. The Baggies have won four, lost six and drawn two, a fairly solid record. Their last match was a defeat at Old Trafford, where Pulis’ men managed to stave off the pressure for a great deal of time – however, they eventually had to succumb and concede.
A player Arsenal will want to watch out for is Salomon Rondon. If Laurent Koscielny isn’t completely in the right place – which visibly appeared against England and is something that will understandably be looked at – but still starts, Rondon could be able to maximise his impact, especially in the air. The big money signing is a target man, and if the likes of James McClean and Chris Brunt can supply well enough, the damage could cost Arsenal.
West Brom must keep an eye on Mesut Özil. The German has been in absolutely tantalising form, leading the league in assists and is arguably one of Europe’s most in-form players right now. Özil is full of confidence and is playing to the level Arsenal need to drive them to the league, so expect him to sustain that for this weekend.
It’s going to be very tough for Arsenal this Saturday, as even though it might be easy to nullify West Brom’s attacking threat, trying to beat the deep-lying static Baggies back-line will be a challenge, especially with Arsenal’s passing play. The match looks to be an incredibly tight affair.
Team news
Hector Bellerin is available for selection following his return to training this week. However, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will return next Monday, so they’re ruled out of this upcoming game. Theo Walcott remains weeks away from a return, whilst Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky remain in the treatment room until Christmas at the very least.
Laurent Koscielny, after being visibly moved by the events in Paris during France’s friendly on Tuesday, will discuss with Wenger whether he is in the right frame of mind to play.
Predicted XIs
West Brom (4-4-2): Myhill; Dawson, Chester, Evans, Brunt; McClean, Fletcher, Yacob, Sessegnon; Berahino, Rondon.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Cazorla, Coquelin; Campbell, Özil, Alexis; Giroud.
Prediction
A slim, 1-0 win to the Arsenal. West Brom will fend off the early Arsenal onslaught with their usual defensive tactics, but will eventually cave into the pressure and concede in the second half by an Olivier Giroud goal. It’ll be a win that’s crucial for Arsenal if they’re to keep up the pace with Manchester City.
