Arsenal will make the trip to the West Midlands to take on West Bromwich Albion without two key players.
Gabriel Magalhaes remains sidelined after testing positive for Coronavirus. The defender missed the Boxing Day clash with Chelsea after finding out that he had been in close contact with somebody inside his bubble who had shown a positive test, and has since found out that he now has the virus also.
Thomas Partey is the other player who is unavailable for the clash, but Arsenal.com states that he is progressing well, and it is hoped that he will be ready to integrate back into full training with the squad next week.
Willian and David Luiz are back in full training now following an illness, and are available to start, and Bukayo Saka is also fit. The youngster had to be subbed off against Brighton after a heavy collision, but has been training since and appears to be fine.
The Guardian states that WBA will be without injured duo Andros Townsend and former Gunner Kieran Gibbs and the suspended Jake Livermore. They also have doubts over Hal Robson Kanu and Bartley.
Predicted Arsenal XI:
Leno
Bellerin Holding Mari Tierney
Xhaka Elneny
Martinelli Smith Rowe Aubameyang
Lacazette
It’s a tricky one trying to decide which of the attacking players will start on the bench, and I was personally tempted to drop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the bench, but Bukayo Saka limped off in the previous match which decided my thinking.
If he’s not 100% recovered then it would make sense for him to start on the bench, although I would much prefer to his name on the teamsheet.
The only other player who I think could have a chance is David Luiz, but I would personally stick with the duo who guided us to the two wins of late.
Assuming all are fit, who would be your chosen front four? Should Luiz be in contention to start now available?
Patrick
Andros Townsend??! Conor!!
Surely Saka will start!
Pat…
The context of today’s game will be about the “ultra low block” that West Brom may adopt. I feel that attacking a low block has been the bane of the Arsenal team.
Consequently, I would prefer the following option:
Leno
Bellerin Luiz Mari Tierney
Ceballos Xhaka
Saka ESR Gabriel
Laca
Most importantly, a key issue that has been overlooked all season has been our low goal-conversion efficiency exhibited by our strikers. Chances may have dwindled grossly, I agree, however, I believe a higher goal-conversion efficiency should have covered up for us. In this regard, such a goal-conversion efficiency was demonstrated by Lacazette in our last game. He had one chance, and it was one goal! Auba had about two chances and missed both, which could have resulted in a drawn game, and for this reason the team has suffered so much this season.
Consequently, today’s game should be about the efficiency of our strikers, particularly against a possible low block.
Once again, I wish us all happy viewing of the game! Remember, stay positive and spread hope and positivism. We need it much more in our present world! Have a rewarding 2021!
Stay safe!
Cheers!
I hope MA does not risk Saka after his collision in the last game, he can come along as a sub if required in the second half. Also I feel Martinelli will not play the full game since he is just returning from injury. Louis can start because his forward play might help in breaking the low block. My line up:
Lenno
Belerin Holding Louis Tierney
Xhaka Elneny
ESR
Auba Laca Martinelli
I thnk Mari should keep his place, that front very good especialy wth ESR behind
So Admin doesn’t want to put up an article on the latest heated team meeting where an unnamed player called our Arteta? Something as important like that and Admin doesn’t put it up as an article, is it because we’ve won the last two games you think the problem is suddenly gone? Issok.
Put your tin foil hat away. A lot of leaks seem to be coming out of the changing rooms these days, but I doubt it’s anything that doesn’t happen elsewhere. I for one am glad that desperate housewives gossip is kept to a minimum.
So, Chapo has once again called out Mr Admin for not writing an article that he wants. Perhaps he should write one himself instead of telling us what to report.
The ridiculous thing is that I have just finished an article on that very topic, but now feel like binning it as Chapo will think he has forced me to write it….
There is absolutely nothing wrong with requesting for an article on a topic I feel is necessary. Nothing wrong at all. Maybe the approach I used wasn’t right, if so I sincerely apologize to the Admin. @Admin, I only thought it should be at least covered so people can debate on it. There are too many leaks coming out of the club to be a rumour or coincidence. @Admin, you totally have the opposite idea of how I am if you think I will feel I forced you to write the article. Is forcing the Admin to write an article an achievement? Admin you totally misunderstood me. I honestly want to know more about the topic, you are a professional at what you do and will certainly give us a little bit more info plus people will also share their ideas on the topic. If you go ahead and paste the topic fine, but if you think I will feel I forced you to write the article then you have a really wrong idea of the person I am.
@Chapo
I believe Admin will be happy to put out your article about your ” unnamed player calling for Arteta head article” because I believe you have full know all view and who that player is and what was said in the meeting.
You said it all, as long as Luiz is off, we can pull a result, same goes for Willian, so this is good news…