Mini – Preview
of
West Bromwich v Arsenal
Yes, just one of my converted posts I’m afraid.
So I will be concentrating on our potential on the back of an excellent win in mid week. Confidence and stability is the name of the game. We got some of that back against Dortmund, but now we must repeat it against sterner (?) opposition. The Baggies are at home and they will be all out to get a win. But they too are hampered by injuries, so let me crack on with the preview.
TA put a very probable line up last night I see no reason to disagree:
There are a few areas of concern though:
1. Santi took some heavy knocks on Tuesday?
2. Ox has been great these last few games, but do we want burn out before a game against his old club?
3. Giro only played a few minutes but looked sharp. He may not last there a whole game?
So, starting with Cazorla, with a dearth of creative mid-fielders, he looks likely to start, but it is a risk? My guess is, if he doesn’t start, then Ramsey might move forwards, and Rosicky in the deeper B2B role.
Ox, again, more likely to start with Rosicky as cover?
Giroud should start, no question. Welbeck and YaYa both carrying knocks, it makes sense?
The Bench is probably occupied by those that were around on Tuesday, and not playing today will fill the spots here. However, a couple of changes is in order, I think:
1. Matt Macey – Very capable. No Problem.
2. Hector Bellerin – A natural for the RB spot if any of the back 4 causes a reshuffle. However, also useful to stick on the right side of midfield as a DM/AM, depending on the state of play?
3. Semi Ajayi – Rather than have a reshuffle, which could result in a Calum and Nacho pairing at CB in front of Martinez with a final 10 minute onslaught that would follow? Much better to have a proper CB who adds height and muscle, I think.
OfKos we have Koscielny, but let us not push him into a desperate situation on his first return.
Rosicky is the likely loser of those who don’t play from the start. That said, the situation could change with an eye to another two games by the end of next week?
Podolski is likely to be here even if AW is getting resigned to him leaving in January? A formation-change for him to be a starter, but maybe part of a double change if we are chasing the game?
Campbell could be the other half of that double change, but only if both Danny and Ya Ya are both rested until Wednesday. If only a single change, who will miss out?
Let’s not kid ourselves, unless we play every bit as well as we did on Tuesday, with positive attacking and defending as a unit, then it will be a very shot lived revival.
Keep the faith
Written by: Gerry
Bergkampesque 