Giroud Likely To Start At West Brom

Match Preview: West Brom vs. Arsenal - Premier League 29.11.2014

After two disappointing results in a row, we finally showed some fightback and some intent, not to mention a bit of wisdom, with a confident midweek win over Borussia Dortmund. Having qualified for the knockout stage for the 15th year in a row, we go into Saturday's visit to the Hawthorns with something resembling a spring in  our step for the first time in what feels like ages. The squad that greets us looks a bit worse for wear, having lost its last two, albeit against an invigorated Newcastle and indomitable Chelsea. Far be it from me to recommend kicking someone when they're done, but there are a vital three points at stake. Kick away, I say.

The timing feels a bit more than fitting, as the last time we faced West Brom, a 1-0 win courtesy of an Olivier Giroud header secured our qualification for this year's Champions League play. With Sanogo nursing a sore hamstring, we're sure to see Giroud make an appearance if not start. For an Arsenal squad searching for inspiration after losing talisman Jack Wilshere for three months or more following ligament surgery, the return of the buteur du charme might do just fine. West Brom will be without Jonas Olsson, a hulking presence in back, and this should open up opportunities for Giroud to make some hay in the box.

We showed about as much purpose and poise against Dortmund as we've shown all season, and there's little reason to doubt that we can do the same again on Saturday. To this point, West Brom have only defeated Leicester, Burnley, and Tottenham, none of which stand out as quality outings, and while they did manage to draw at home with Man U, they followed that up shortly after by getting dumped out of the League Cup by Championship side Bournemouth. That's not to say that we can simply waltz in and seize three points. Saido Berahino has tallied seven goals, and Prem mainstays like Joleon Lescott, Stephane Sessegnon, and Adam Morrison are no slouches either.  Still, we have more than enough quality on paper to make ourselves the rudest of guests, and I'd look to Alexis (no surprise there) and Oxlade-Chamberlain to slice through the Baggies' defense to create repeated opportunities for themselves and for Welbeck and Giroud in the middle of the box.

In past seasons, we've made it a point to go into matches like this and get all three points, but it's not been a similar strength thus far. Coming on the heels of the confidence-boosting win over Dortmund, I see us coming away with all three, courtesy of an early goal to settle nerves and a second before halftime to quell any doubts.

Last 3 Meetings

• Arsenal 1-0 West Brom (04.05.2014)
• West Brom 1-1 Arsenal (06.10.2013)
• West Brom 1-2 Arsenal (06.04.2013)

FACTFILE

• The two clubs first met in league play in 1902, a 2-1 win for Arsenal.
• Arsenal have not lost at the Hawthorns since 2005--a run of five matches.
• West Brom have scored just four goals in their last six outings against Arsenal.

INJURIES

Debuchy, Ozil, Walcott, Ospina, Diaby, Arteta, Sanogo, Wilshere, and Szczesny will all miss out.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI

Martinez; Gibbs, Monreal, Mertesacker, Bellerin; Flamini, Ramsey; Alexis, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Giroud.

GOONERSPHERE'S PREDICTION

West Brom 0-3 Arsenal 14/1 with Paddy Power

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