After a painful loss at the Etihad, Arsenal, who are now fresh off back to back losses away from home, are back in action this weekend as they welcome Tony Pulis’ high-flying West Brom side at the Emirates. Wenger will be mad with his team’s performances in the last couple of games but will hope to get back to winning ways at home this weekend but the Baggies have put on some decent performances recently and are sure to make it hard for the Gunners. Standing 9 points away from the top of the table, Arsenal are now desperate for points but West Brom are sure to provide them with a challenge on the night. Wenger is expected to play a strong side and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this game:
Team News:
In early team news, Wenger is still without the services of star players Santi Cazorla, Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck who are on the long term injury list along with Mathieu Debuchy. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shkodran Mustafi and Chuba Akpom also remain sidelined for this clash. Aaron Ramsey, who is just returning from injury, will undergo late fitness tests ahead of this game.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Petr Cech:
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal, Cech, has been in sublime for this season for the Gunners and should start this home game.
Hector Bellerin:
The Spaniard is one of the first names on the team-sheet for the Gunners this season and he should keep his place in the side.
Laurent Koscielny:
Arguably the best defender in the Premier League, Koscielny, should start this game in the heart of the Arsenal defence with more responsibility in the absence of Mustafi.
Gabriel Paulista:
Injury to the summer signing Mustafi has seen Wenger turn to Gabriel to partner Koscielny at the back and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Nacho Monreal:
The first choice left-back for Wegner, Monreal, has been in decent form off late and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Francis Coquelin:
The first choice midfielder for Wenger in that position, Coquelin, should start this boxing day fixture for the Gunners against the Baggies.
Granit Xhaka:
Though not completely the first choice for Wenger, Xhaka, has been decent in the middle for Arsenal and should be back in action this weekend.
Theo Walcott:
The English winger has got his scoring touch in the last few weeks but he is an impact player who can win games and should start against West Brom this weekend.
Mesut Ozil:
After two below par performances in the last two games, the pressure is high on the German play maker who should have a good game if Arsenal are to take all three points.
Alex Iwobi:
Having put in some decent performances every time he has been given a chance to start, Iwobi, should start on the left side of the attack for Arsenal in this game.
Alexis Sanchez:
The top scorer in the league for the Gunners, Sanchez, has been exceptional in a false-9 position for Arsenal this season and he should start this game in a similar position against the Baggies.