Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 26, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal travel to the Hawthorns to take on a struggling West Brom. The Gunners climbed up to 13th in the Premier League standings with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brighton on Tuesday night, thanks to a second-half strike from Alexandre Lacazette.
The Gunners finally seem to be getting their act together after a dismal start to the season, including a 3-1 triumph over London rivals Chelsea. Mikel Arteta’s side will be hopeful of continuing their impressive turnaround when they make the trip to the Hawthorns to face a struggling West Brom on Saturday night.
West Brom are currently second-bottom in the standings with only a solitary win from their 16 games so far. The Baggies face an uphill task against the Gunners following a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Leeds United in the midweek fixture.
Gabriel Magalhaes is unavailable for selection after contracting Covid-19 while David Luiz and Willian still on the comeback trail from their respective injuries. Thomas Partey is ruled out for the weekend trip to West Brom with a thigh injury.
The German has committed a few errors this season but should retain his place as the undisputed first-choice between the sticks after a clean sheet against Brighton.
The Scottish international has been one of the bright sparks for the Gunners at the back this season and should once again find himself among the starters for his one.
Hector Bellerin had a poor game against Brighton and Arteta might as well hand the academy graduate a start on Saturday.
The Brazilian has really stepped up in the absence of Gabriel and David Luiz and Arteta should hand him a start once again this weekend.
The Englishman has been one of the most consistent performers for Arsenal this season and deserves to have no speculation over his role as a regular starter.
The Swiss international hasn’t been at his best this season and will be expected to raise his levels after a drab display against Brighton in the midweek win.
Elneny offered very little in the last game, so Arteta might as well rotate his squad and hand the Real Madrid loanee an opportunity to impress.
The young attacking midfielder has made a positive impression in the last couple of fixtures and Arteta should continue to back him with regular game time.
The youngster’s return from injury has handed an obvious boost to Arsenal’s attack and he deserves another start after making a telling contribution in the last couple of games.
The academy graduate was one of the best players on the pitch in the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Brighton and should definitely start against West Brom on Saturday.
The Frenchman emerged as the super-sub to grab Arsenal’s winner in the last game and Arteta should consider handing him a start ahead of Aubameyang, who has continued to struggle for goals.