The Gunners will host the Baggies at the Emirates tonight and will be hoping to consolidate on their impressive performance against defending Champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. Although, the Gunners were in action against Championship side Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup last week Wednesday, a 1-0 win was enough for the Gunners to ensure their progress into the fourth round of the competition.
However, West Brom were knocked out of the competition by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The Gunners come into tonight’s in good form winning three and a drawing one in all competition while the Baggies are winless in four. The Baggies will likely setup to frustrate the Gunners but the firepower and quality possessed by the North London club will be too much for the Baggies to handle. We take a look at the Gunners predicted lineup against Tony Pulis’ led side.
Goalkeeper
Petr Cech is expected to return in goal after been left out of Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Championship side Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup. The Czech international is yet to concede in his last two games against Bournemouth and Chelsea.
Defence
Arsene Wenger fielded a much changed lineup in the Carabao Cup lastweek with Chambers, Mertesacker and Holding playing in a three-man defence, but a return for Mustafi, Koscienly and Monreal will likely start tonight against the Baggies. Laurent Koscienly was a rock for the Gunners at the back against Chelsea at the Bridge and would be hoping to continue from where he stopped against the Blues. The Gunners captain is expected to play at centre-half while Mustafi and Monreal are expected to play on the right and left side of the defence respectively.
Midfield
A midfield quartet is expected with the wing backs offering more threat going forward. Kolasinac and Hector Bellerin will offer more width from the right and left side of the midfield respectively not neglecting their defensive duties. A central midfield pairing of Ramsey and Xhaka will likely anchor the midfield. Both players looked impressive against Chelsea and would be hoping for a repeat of such against the Baggies at the Emirates tonight.
Attack
A front three of Sanchez, Lacazette and Ozil is expected to lead the line with Danny Welbeck out with a groin injury. Alexis Sanchez will likely start his second game of the season in the Premier League since the 4-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield while a return for German playmaker Mezut Ozil is expected after recovering from a knee inflammation that kept him out of the game against Chelsea. Arsene Wenger will be hoping Sanchez can get his first Premier League goal against West Brom tonight as he is yet to get off the mark in the League so far this season. The Gunners top scorer last season scored 31 goals and provided 19 assists in 51 appearances for the Gunners last term and will be key in their hunt for a top four finish this season.
Probable Line-Up: Cech, Monreal, Koscienly, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Ramsey, Bellerin, Sanchez, Lacazette, Ozil.
