LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on March 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Predicted Starters To Face West Brom
Arsenal’s title hopes took a hit with the draw against Crystal Palace, but a top four finish is still within reach as they face West Brom at home Thursday.
If any Arsenal fan was still holding on to the slither of hope that remained for a Premier League title, they are likely not doing the same after the disappointing draw against Crystal Palace at the weekend. It’s no secret that Arsenal needed to win every single game remaining on the schedule to even be in with a shout, but those hopes were dashed with Yannick Bolasie’s 82nd minute equalizer.
In rather familiar fashion, Arsenal find themselves with virtually nothing to play for in the latter stages of the season. As it stands, the Gunners are fighting for a top four finish (deja vu, anyone?), and it doesn’t get any easier with West Brom paying a visit to the Emirates on Thursday night. West Brom are a much improved side than seasons past, and are already close to equaling the 40 points they managed all of last season.
It may be that some Arsenal fans believe West Brom should be a cakewalk for this squad, but Arsenal’s struggles against bottom half teams this season prove that they must not take West Brom lightly. Otherwise, they risk slipping further down the table, which could prove costly with Manchester United also in hot pursuit of the last Champions League spot (which Arsenal currently occupy). Fortunately for Arsenal fans, the Gunners can boast a nearly fully fit squad, and in all seriousness, Arsenal must and should win this home game.
Here is how they may lineup against West Brom on Thursday.
Petr Cech hasn’t had much playing time in the Premier League as of late, but he is still Arsenal’s number one keeper. Couldn’t keep a much needed clean sheet against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be in net against West Brom."
> 
GK
Petr Cech
33, Czech
Petr Cech hasn’t had much playing time in the Premier League as of late, but he is still Arsenal’s number one keeper. Couldn’t keep a much needed clean sheet against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be in net against West Brom.
Hector Bellerin had a tough night on the right hand side against Palace, and was surprisingly limited in his crossing abilities. He usually follows up a poor performance with a great one, so i’m not too worried about him for the West Brom match.Hector Bellerin had a tough night on the right hand side against Palace, and was surprisingly limited in his crossing abilities. He usually follows up a poor performance with a great one, so i’m not too worried about him for the West Brom match."
> RB Hector Bellerin
24, Spain
The inconsistent performances from both captain Per Mertesacker and Gabriel likely means that Laurent Koscielny will not have a regular partner beside him for the rest of the season. It’s pretty much a toss up at this point- safe bets are on Gabriel due to his ability to match West Brom’s pace up front.The inconsistent performances from both captain Per Mertesacker and Gabriel likely means that Laurent Koscielny will not have a regular partner beside him for the rest of the season. It’s pretty much a toss up at this point- safe bets are on Gabriel due to his ability to match West Brom’s pace up front."
> CB Gabriel Paulista
5, Brazil
Laurent Koscielny is almost always solid defensively at the back, even though Arsenal’s lack of clean sheets may suggest otherwise. Arsene Wenger will almost certainly need to bring in an elite centre-back partner for the Frenchman in the summer, as the switching back and forth between Mertesacker and Gabriel simply won’t work for Arsenal.Laurent Koscielny is almost always solid defensively at the back, even though Arsenal’s lack of clean sheets may suggest otherwise. Arsene Wenger will almost certainly need to bring in an elite centre-back partner for the Frenchman in the summer, as the switching back and forth between Mertesacker and Gabriel simply won’t work for Arsenal."
> CB Laurent Koscileny
6, France
For me, Nacho Monreal was quietly one of Arsenal’s stand out performers in what was an underwhelming result against Palace. Safe to say he’ll be starting on Thursday, as Kieran Gibbs doesn’t seem to be challenging him anytime soon.For me, Nacho Monreal was quietly one of Arsenal’s stand out performers in what was an underwhelming result against Palace. Safe to say he’ll be starting on Thursday, as Kieran Gibbs doesn’t seem to be challenging him anytime soon."
> LB Nacho Monreal
18, Spain
After each disappointing result, I hear more and more Arsenal fans calling for Wenger to sign another defensive midfielder, but i disagree with them. Sure, Francis Coquelin has hit his form of last year yet, but his partnership with Mohamed Elneny could flourish further if given more time. That’s exactly why I want to see them partnered together for the game against West Brom.After each disappointing result, I hear more and more Arsenal fans calling for Wenger to sign another defensive midfielder, but i disagree with them. Sure, Francis Coquelin has hit his form of last year yet, but his partnership with Mohamed Elneny could flourish further if given more time. That’s exactly why I want to see them partnered together for the game against West Brom."
> RM Francis Coquelin
34, France
Pretty much the same goes for Mohamed Elneny. Needs more time alongside Coquelin in order to be judged fairly. West Brom are a gritty team, so this should be a great test for the pair.Pretty much the same goes for Mohamed Elneny. Needs more time alongside Coquelin in order to be judged fairly. West Brom are a gritty team, so this should be a great test for the pair."
> LM Mohamed Elneny
35, Egypt
Arsenal’s bid for the title is all but over with the points dropped against Palace, so it would be ideal for a youngster like Alex Iwobi to get some playing time in. He has impressed with the chances he has been given, and West Brom at home is a perfect game for him to further showcase his potential.Arsenal’s bid for the title is all but over with the points dropped against Palace, so it would be ideal for a youngster like Alex Iwobi to get some playing time in. He has impressed with the chances he has been given, and West Brom at home is a perfect game for him to further showcase his potential."
> LW Alex Iwobi
45, Nigeria
Out of all the players to experience a dip in form, Alexis Sanchez’s was the most frustrating. Mainly because he is our most dangerous player, and he can make an impact like no other player in Arsenal’s ranks. However, he is hitting form at a time when Arsenal desperately need goals. Of al Arsenal’s outfield players, he looks the most likely to get on the scoresheet.Out of all the players to experience a dip in form, Alexis Sanchez’s was the most frustrating. Mainly because he is our most dangerous player, and he can make an impact like no other player in Arsenal’s ranks. However, he is hitting form at a time when Arsenal desperately need goals. Of al Arsenal’s outfield players, he looks the most likely to get on the scoresheet."
> RW Alexis Sanchez
17, Chile
Mesut Ozil has been doing everything he was signed to do for Arsenal. No doubt he’ll do it again against West Brom, but the amount of chances he has created is a stark contrast to the amount of chances that Arsenal’s strikers have converted. Badly needs a world-class striker to finish his efforts off.Mesut Ozil has been doing everything he was signed to do for Arsenal. No doubt he’ll do it again against West Brom, but the amount of chances he has created is a stark contrast to the amount of chances that Arsenal’s strikers have converted. Badly needs a world-class striker to finish his efforts off."
> CAM Mesut Ozil
11, Germany
Danny Welbeck has been the best of the rest in terms of Arsenal’s strikeforce this season, so he gets the start for me. Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott have dropped of in the second half of the season, while Welbeck has made the biggest impact even with his limited playing time. Only right that he starts over those two.Danny Welbeck has been the best of the rest in terms of Arsenal’s strikeforce this season, so he gets the start for me. Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott have dropped of in the second half of the season, while Welbeck has made the biggest impact even with his limited playing time. Only right that he starts over those two."
> ST Danny Welbeck
23, England
