Quite simply, this is Arsenal’s biggest game for several years. It may seem innocuous enough, but this away-day trip to a mid-table club is one on which the club’s future could hinge.

Crunch Time

Failure to win on Sunday will likely result in Arsenal being overtaken by Sp*rs and forced into fourth, or worse, fifth place in the Premier League. Both positions will reduce Arsenal’s income and pulling power, especially with Chelsea’s possible stealing of the last Champions League spot with victory in the final of said competition.

This could have untold consequences on the club’s finances and abilities to remain any kind of force in English football. Arsenal could sink into mediocrity.

History

Scaremongering aside, Arsenal have a fairly good record against West Brom. They won 3-0 at the Emirates earlier in the season, and the Gunners have only lost once in 8 matches against the Midlands outfit. West Brom have a very poor home record this season, with 9 defeats, but let’s be honest - stats mean nothing, especially with Arsenal.

Team News

Arsenal have slight doubts over the fitness of Squillaci, Park and Santos, as well as a reported shoulder injury for goalkeeper Sczezny, though this is both unconfirmed and possibly minor. Bacary Sagna has a broken leg and will be replaced by Francis Coquelin or Carl Jenkinson.

Theo Walcott could return for this last game after being injured against Chelsea, providing he passes a fitness test.

West Brom will be without captain Chris Brunt and attacker Peter Odemwingie, who has somewhat of a record for scoring against Arsenal. This may be helpful, though West Brom have other dangerous attacking players.

Key Players

Robin Van Persie has found form again, and will be Arsenal’s biggest goal threat. With the possibility of Walcott returning and some good performances from Gervinho (one for next season, perhaps?), he will have no shortage of good service.  Tomas Vermaelen and Kieran Gibbs will need to give a better performance in defence than they did last week, to avoid slip-ups.

West Brom will look to Shane Long to do the damage, as well as keeper Ben Foster to continue his recent run of clean sheets.

The Catch

Again, this all seems fine. Arsenal will not be underestimating their opposition like they did against Norwich, and will hopefully be fired-up for this crunch match. The issue is that West Brom’s manager is Roy Hodgson, who you are all no doubt aware has been chosen as the new England manager. What better way to bid farewell to a manager that’s brought stability to your club than beating Arsenal?

Arsenal had their own party pooped against Norwich in Pat Rice’s last home game, and now they must be the party poopers themselves. Hopefully they can pull it off. And if they do, then the Arsenal many remember may just make a re-appearance.

Then again, if Ramsey’s playing, we’re surely doomed. (Joke! Promise!)

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