West Brom Preview + Lineups – A tough Midlands test!

Last week’s 4-1 win against Reading was the first full match I missed this season. The other one was the first half against Swansea, in the league, when we lost 2-0 at home. Both those times, I was having a gala time at one of the million shacks that dot Goa’s pristine beaches.

I realized that I had missed the performance of the season from Gervinho, who scored once, and created two others. Olivier Giroud’s finish was sumptuous to say the least, and it’s now time to push on and secure what is left of the season. A top 4 finish, and a direct qualification into Europe’s premier club football competition.

Today’s game is a challenging away day at West Bromwich Albion, the very scene of last season’s great escape to secure 3rd spot, and seal Champions League qualification. After going ahead through a 2nd minute goal from Israeli Yossi Benayoun, Arsenal quickly found themselves 2-1 down, thanks to calamitous defending.

Never mind. Up stepped the Brazilian football god, named Andre Santos, and Laurent Koscielny secured the all important goal in the second half. The West Brom goalie that afternoon, Martin Fulop, was so horrendous, it seemed that he was possessed by some weird Roy Carroll kinda spirit. There was that last ditch Gibbs tackle as well, which bought about a heart warming moment between Messrs Wenger and Pat Rice. Of course, there was the Dutch c*** too, waving his goodbyes, and the ever-so-loyal Irishman Pat Rice was given a farewell to remember.

Arsenal, now knowing that the race for Champions League qualification will go right down to the wire, after Chelsea’s and Sp*rs slipped over the last few games, while Arsenal have managed to ride out a rough patch, and are stringing a run of victories together.

The last Arsenal game I saw was the win at Swansea, and Arsenal had to dig deep to secure all 3 points. And that game seems like ages away. There seems to be a slight change in mentality, and the team looks like they believe in themselves again.

Arsene Wenger’s faith in Lukasz Fabianski is set to continue, after the Pole conceded just once in the last 3 games. Laurent Koscielny, too, is expected to keep his place in the squad. Kieran Gibbs, who started against Reading, will start again, as the manager may not want to rush Monreal back into action.

With Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott still out, there could finally be a start for Lukas Podolski, while in midfield, the manager could opt for the quartet of Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey and Cazorla. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho are other options up front.

West Brom are without Youseff Mulumbu, who picked up a suspension in the 3-1 loss to West Ham last weekend, but James Morrison is expected to start in his place. Here is how I expect the teams to line up.

The defence can expect a tough day in office, with the physical Lukaku leading the line. Arsenal have struggled the likes of Lukaku in the past. Shane Long has scored 9 goals this season, and will be a goal threat himself.

Arsenal will have to get out of the traps early, and dominate proceedings in midfield as West Brom play a really midfield centric game, which has yielded some really positive results for them this season.

All in all, it could be an exciting game, and a must win one for Arsenal! Can’t wait for this one to get started!