The last few weeks have seen protests, mounting pressure and a fog of mystery surrounding our key players and manager. This return to Premeirship action at least could offer Gooner some respite from the constant stories, rumours and furore.
Manager Arsene Wenger can at least reflect on a victory last week rather than a loss, and last weekend’s FA Cup victory over non-league Lincoln City has given Arsenal some optimism as they can now look forward to a trip to Wembley and a real chance for silverware.
We currently sit in fifth spot in the league, with five points separating us from Liverpool in 4th spot. Although we have two games in hand over the Reds, those two games must be won to enable us to stay with the chasing pack.
All provided that the Gunners defeat West Brom.
This won’t be an easy. Tony Pulis has taken the Baggies to 7th place in the table. They may have lsot their last two games, but West Brom will be rigid, organised and a threat.
Not to mention the corresponding fixture, where we eked out a scrappy 1-0 win, thanks to ill-suited tactics. Opting for Olivier Giroud against aerially adept defenders who are petrified of pace and movement was the main reason why we struggled to break the Baggies down.
Arsenal will have few injury worries. Mohamed Elneny has returned from his ankle injury and could be involved in the squad, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs will have fitness tests before the game to judge whether they can take part.
Aside from this, Arsene Wenger can afford to rotate his team, but with their last game a week ago, every player should be fit and raring to go. This means a return to fitness for Mesut Ozil after a bout of sickness which has ruled him out or restricted to cameo rules for the last few weeks.
Tony Pulis is sweating on the fitness of one of his brightest lights this season. Winger Matty Phillips looks to be out of the game with a hamstring injury, but striker Salomon Rondon will be ready to give our back four a rigorous examination.
The Gunners have lost three of their last four Premiership games, and are in real danger of losing ground on those coveted spots in the top four.
West Brom could well decide much for Arsenal, and for our manager’s future. If the win is not achieved, then the already huge pressure could become obstructive.
Predicted Lineup – Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Ramsey, Walcott, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud
Predicted Scoreline – 2-1 Arsenal
Up The Arsenal 