Arsenal travel to The Hawthorns this weekend in what will be another tough away test for the Gunners, as they look to extend their record to eight away victories in a row in the League.
After another exceptional week for the Arsenal, confidence will be oozing from every crevice that surrounds the Emirates. The mid-week win against Napoli and the style in which it was played, re-affirms the growing mumblings around Arsenal that they could be in line for silver-ware this year.
Wenger has placed a high level of importance on this game in the quest to keep the run going:
“it is a massive game for us, important to maintain our consistent run, we can do better, there is more to come, it depends how hungry we are.”
Opponent
Wenger’s men have certainly been playing with hunger thus far this season, and they will certainly need it to beat a West Brom side coming off a back of a win at Old Trafford. A team that has only conceded five in the opening six games in the League, The Baggies could prove a hard team to break down.
Having improved their defensive displays dramatically from last season, Steve Clarke will be looking to Olsson and Mulumbu to maintain their battle like performances. West Brom have some in form players going into the game, Morgan Amalfitano and Saldo Berahino stood out in particular against Manchester United, getting on the score-sheet in the process.
Berahino also scored against the Gunners in the League Cup tie over a week ago, and whilst Anichibe will offer a physical presence upfront, Sessegnon will look to capitalise on any West Brom counter attack, giving Mertesacker and Koscielny something to think about.
But, Wenger highlights another difficulty going into the game:
“They have a big squad of experienced players, we don’t know who is going to play against us.”
Arsenal
Despite this uncertainty, Arsene is unlikely to make any changes that haven’t been forced by injury. Jenkinson has a chance to build on the fine start he has had to the season, with the injured Sagna ruled out for up-to three weeks. Gibbs, the ‘unsung hero’ of the campaign will look to assert his authority on the left.
In the midfield he will not want to tamper with what proved so successful against Napoli. Rosicky, highly praised by the manager on Friday is likely to keep Wilshere out of the starting line-up, whilst Ozil, Ramsey and Arteta will look once again look to dominate the central midfield.
Even with the remaining injuries, Arsene has many strings to his bow in midfield. Flamini and Arteta will look to steady the ship. The more creative players will look to have the freedom going forward on the counter, as they have exquisitely displayed so far this season.
Momentum
The Hawthorns has been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners in recent years, having not lost there in their past six visits, winning four and drawing two. A tough test for Arsenal, but, if Wenger’s men can continue their current form, they should record a win to retain top spot in the Premier League, keeping their momentum heading into the international break.
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