05.11. (Sat) 16:00 Arsenal - West Bromwich Albion

van persie (chelsea-arsenal)

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL Szczesny Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos Song, Ramsey, Arteta Gervinho, Van Persie, Arshavin

WEST BROMWICH ALBION   Foster Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Jones Thomas, Mulumbu, Brunt Tchoyi Odemwingie

Arsenal come into the game on the back of contrasting performances for their team; in their match against Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend their defence was, at best, sloppy. However, they attacked with a real sense of purpose and were lethal in front of goal, scoring all of their shots on target.

However, in their Champions League match on Tuesday the defence was altogether more solid, but faltered in front of goal as manager Arsene Wenger chose to "gamble" on leaving Robin van Persie on the bench.

There may be one or two changes to the midweek game, with Van Persie almost certain to be recalled, while there could be a rest for any number of players, including perhaps Aaron Ramsey or Theo Walcott who have both been in the limelight recently.

Meanwhile, West Brom were on an impressive run of four games unbeaten before last weekend's home defeat to Liverpool, and will be without midfield maestro Paul Scharner and the impressive summer acquisition Shane Long who are both injured.

DID YOU KNOW?

• West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie (pictured right) scored in both fixtures against Arsenal last season.

• The Baggies have only kept three clean sheets in their previous 40 away Premier League games.

• West Brom have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes than any other Premier League team this season with a total of five.

• There have been four goals scored in the opening 10 minutes of the last four league meetings between the two teams.

• If Arsenal take all three points against West Brom it will be their 400th win in the Premier League.

• This is the first time Arsenal have had a negative goal difference at this stage of the season in the history of the Premier League.

• Robin van Persie has scored 28 goals in 27 league appearances in 2011.

Prediction

If the Gunners' defence continue their good form then one cannot really see beyond them with what will surely be another appearance for the influential Robin van Persie.
Meanwhile, if Andrey Arshaving be given a chance in the team, he will be looking to improve on his form since arriving in London, which he admitted has been average so far.
But all in all, this looks like a victory for Arsene Wenger's men.

Editor's Prediction

Arsenal 2-0 West Bromwich Albion