EPL Match Day 6: Arsenal v West Brom; Match Preview
Meanwhile, back at home. . .
Well that trip to Sunderland was fun wasn’t it? Not. But why dwell on the past when we drowned our misery in a heartwarming win at White Heart Lane against Fat ‘Arry Redknapp’s Spurs. And now with the Carling Cup out of the way (for now) we can turn our attention to things that matter more – mainly, continuing our pursuit of the title against West Bromwich Albion.
You may remember West Brom – they are the perennial yo-yo squad – one year in the EPL the next in the Championship. You know, wash, rinse and repeat ad nauseum. But this season at least for them has started better than the last few. Sure, they’ve been drubbed by Chelsea 6-0 and even lost to listless Liverpool 1-0. But they’ve also drawn Spurs and the beating they put on Birmingham last week was sound. Throw in a 2-1 win over City and you can see while Robert Di Matteo’s side have some sense of optimism about them.
However, they are paying a visit to the Emirates and it has proven very hard for clubs to come here and win. But they will be bouyed by the fact that since 2003-2004, the Gunners have dropped points in one game against a promoted side. Remember now, the beating we placed on Blackpool. And Newcastle haven’t visited yet.
Anyway, as is always the case with Arsenal they are limping into another match. Diaby, Eboue and Rosicky all face fitness challenges before the match. Fabregas, Vermaelen and Gibbs are out with their sights on returning for next week’s fixture against Chelsea at the Bridge. Additionally, Walcott has been working on Cryotherapy (better than the placenta stuff of last year) and also looks set for a return against the Blues. But right now the focus is WBA.
Even after the draw last week, the Gunners come into this Saturday having won the first of the North London Derbies. They also come in off the fine play of one Jack Wilshere – he of the hopes and prayers of English football. With more time and play, Jack is surely lining up to be every thing we thought (more like hoped and prayed) he’d be. Even with Cesc out of the lineup, he is showing an unusual flair for creativity for someone his age. When Cesc gets his wish to go back to Barcelona, right now it seems the Arsenal midfield may have his replacement already in it.
Coming back to the fold this weekend is Alexander Song who was shown a dubious red card (okay the card wasn’t dubious but the first yellow was). This should lend strength to the midfield. Especially in light that Denilson likely deputizes to start in place of the injured Diaby. It is disconcerting seeing so many injured this early in the season. We can only hope that all the reports are right and the majority will be back for next weekend.
How the Match Should Play Out:
We’re at home – how do you think it is going to play out? Frankly, I expect a 1-0 draw going into the half. The play will be enough to make the gunners faithful but the quality of the talent will will out and the duo of Arshavin and Wilshere will shine. Leading to two more goals in the 2nd.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: With Captain Cesc Fabregas sidelined for this weekend, Jack Wilshere will be calling the plays from the centre of the Arsenal attack. It’s a weighty task for even the most senior players but Jack has shown he is amply ready for the task.
West Brom: Odemwingie. Because I don’t know anyone else and he is their leading score (hey at least I am honest)
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabregas (thigh) Diaby (ankle – Q) Vermaelen (achilles) Gibbs (foot) Walcott (ankle) Van Persie (ankle) Ramsey (ankle) Bendtner (groin) Frimpong (knee)
West Brom: Morrison (suspended – 1) Cech (foot), Mattock (ankle), Miller (thigh)
Last Meeting (Carling Cup):
Arsenal: 2
West Brom: 0
Current Form:
Arsenal: DWWWD
West Brom: LWLDW
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 4 (4 league) Arshavin 4 (2 League)
West Brom: Odemwingie 2 (2 league)
Match Officials:
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Andy Halliday & Mick McDonough
Fourth Official: Peter Walton
Broadcast Information:
US: FSC 10:00AM EST
UK: ??? 1500 BST
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GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!! www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
West Brom: 0
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