View From The Sphere

Injury-hit Arsenal looking to get season back on track against West Brom

|

Two weeks ago Arsenal fans were full of optimism; their mouths watering at the prospect of potentially winning four trophies to end their much publicized drought.

Now, going into the game against West Brom, the Gunners’ prospects have been cut by three and confidence is most definitely at a low point as Wenger’s men try to pick themselves up to make a final push for their only remaining shot at silverware; the Premier League.

Much has been, and will continue to be, made about Arsenal’s fragilities that seem to kick in like clockwork at the same period every season. It feels like the same story over and over again; Goalkeeping inconsistencies, injured defenders, and a loss of both form and confidence. Fans might be calling on Wenger to make changes and invest in players but there is nothing he can do about that at this moment in time. The only thing Wenger can control at this stage is his player’s confidence to ensure they make the most of their opportunity to achieve Premier League glory by playing the magnificent football that we all know the team can produce.

Manchester United are still fighting in the Champions League and FA Cup while the Gunner’s have an easier run in the league and a less congested fixture list. The ball is firmly in Arsenal’s court. Wenger is stubborn in his belief that his players have the mental strength required to win – well, now is the time to show it and there is no better place to start than a convincing win today.

[bet_365 type=’generic’ size=’468′ af_code=’365_061443′]

Fans of both clubs will have this season’s reverse fixture in the back of their minds where West Brom recorded a stunning 3-2 victory at the Emirates to secure all three points. There isn’t much chance of a similar score line this time though as new manager Roy Hodgson will play to his tactical strengths and ensure that his defence is strong and the marking is tight. Under Roberto Di Matteo West Brom played a bold attacking style for a team just promoted from the Championship and while it occasionally produced results, it didn’t sustain any sort of consistency and that is just what Hodgson has been brought in to do. Arsenal will do the attacking on Saturday while the Baggies will try to weather the storm and catch Arsenal on the break.

In terms of team news, Arsenal have a number of key players missing. Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby, Johan Djourou, Thomas Vermealen, Lukasz Fabianski, Wjorciech Szczesny and Alex Song are all out. Manuel Almunia should start in goal with Jens Lehmann on the bench and Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci should start in defence as the only fit senior centre backs.

West Brom on the other hand have only two injured players in Graham Dorrans and Marcus Haber so go into the match with pretty much a full strength squad.

The outcome of the match completely depends on Arsenal. If they turn up as a team hungry to win and willing to let their natural game flow then they could easily win the game by a few goals. If, however, we see the same vulnerable mentality that has been on show in recent weeks then nerves could get to the players as the game goes on. Arsenal must be wary of West Brom setting up shop in their own half and playing out for a draw (or even grabbing a surprise goal for a win). I’m confident that Arsenal will win but they have to score first and they have to score early to stomp out any doubts that may linger in the back of their minds.

Good odds: Arsenal to win 3-0 – 14/1.

Favourable odds: Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny to score at anytime – 11/1.

Click HERE to see the original article. This article was first published on ThisIsFutbol

Written by Nicholas Edwards

[bet_365 type=’odds’ size=’300′ af_code=’365_061443′]

Share this article

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *