Arsenal host West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, as Arsene Wenger’s side will be looking to strengthen his side near-perfect Premier League fixtures home record against the Baggies when the teams meet on Monday Night Football.
The Frenchman has watched his team win just two of their first five, leaving the Gunners well off the pace at an early stage.
Tony Pulis’ West Brom side have continued their consistency from last season, with a strong defence making them a strong opponent.
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As far as this is concerned, Wenger has confirmed Danny Welbeck will not be available for Arsenal with a groin injury, as we prepare to welcome the Baggies to the Emirates.
According to Jack Rathborn of the Mirror, he quoted the French boss ahead of his side’s home fixture, with defender Kieran Gibbs ready to face his former club. Wenger confirmed Alexis Sanchez is close to match fitness after the Chilean recent recovery from injury and declared the clash between Arsenal and West Brom will be a difficult one. Wenger said as quoted by the Mirror:
“They have a way to deal with everybody, a strong defensive basis.
“They have a culture of the Premier League after being there for a long time.
“A manager who knows how the league work, a strong transition from defence to offense, very solid defensively, it’s difficult to play against them.”
From Sky Sports, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott are in line for a return to the starting lineup for Arsenal, but Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Calum Chambers are absent. West Brom veteran midfielder Gareth Barry is expected to feature for Tony Pulis side in what would be a new Premier League appearance record of 633 games.
Arsenal look a different team without Sanchez’s impact, and if the Chile international returns to the attack, Wenger will have the balance to claim the points.
West Brom have game have improved dramatically over the past 12 months, but the Baggies are a much more solid side at home than on the road.
According to Sky Sports, Chris Brunt, Nacer Chadli and Oliver Burke will all received late fitness tests by West Brom before the journey south.
Arsenal need to start accumulating points, and as long as we are participating in the UEFA Europa League, winning home games must be a top priority.
The partnership of Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette upfront could see Wenger produce a lethal force, and a place near the top of the table could soon be within reach.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up against West Brom at the Emirates on Monday night:
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