Following their 2-3 win over Crystal Palace at the Selhurst Park, Arsenal are due to face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns later today. Arsene Wenger’s men are placed at the 6th spot in the league table with 37 points to their name after 20 games.
They have to start winning games on a regular basis to mount a substantial challenge for a top-four finish and here is how we expect the Gunners to line-up against Alan Pardew’s side.
Defence
Between the sticks, Petr Cech has been the first-choice goalkeeper for Wenger in the league. In 20 appearances, Cech has managed to collect 9 clean sheets and is expected to be handed the gloves yet again.
Nacho Monreal is expected to be absent until mid-January due to his ankle injury and his absence gave Calum Chamber to get his first league start this season. The Englishman fared well, contributing to his side’s attacking endeavours at times and is expected to start today.
Shkodran Mustafi is anticipated to be positioned at the heart of the three-man defensive wall of the North London based club once again and Laurent Koscielny will be stationed to the left of the German.
Wingbacks
Sead Kolasinac, ever since his move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, has been hard to remove from the starting line-up and the muscular Bosnian international is seemingly likely to be pencilled in the aforesaid position once again.
On the other side, Hector Bellerin is anticipated to start once again to give Arsenal the requisite pace on the right and the Spaniard would be heavily relied upon to add to the attacking strength in the opposition half.
Central Midfield
Jack Wilshere’s form is undergoing a phase of resurrection, for the Englishman is slowly but surely getting back to his best by manoeuvring precise passes and dictating the tempo of the game from the middle.
Aaron Ramsey is suffering from a hamstring injury and thus, alongside Wilshere, Granit Xhaka would be an ideal choice for the away side. Xhaka has been dazzling this season and it is hard to criticize him, particularly after his display against Crystal Palace.
Attack
Olivier Giroud is absent owing to his hamstring problems, which is why Wenger is likely to let Alexandre Lacazette spearhead Arsenal’s attack once again against West Brom.
The Frenchman is expected to be partnered with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil and the trio will be confident of breaching the defence of the Baggies.
