West Brom vs. Arsenal: What the Gunners Need to Do in Order to Advance

Tonight, we'll see a very intriguing Capital One Cup clash as West Bromwich Albion hosts perennial Premier League power Arsenal in Round 3 action. 

In order to get here, West Brom made quick work of a far inferior opponent in Newport County. But this evening, the club has a more difficult test in front of them, as the Gunners, at least on paper, are a far more talented side. 

So far, this season has been an encouraging one for Arsenal, as Arsene Wenger's boys sit atop the Premier League table through the first five weeks of the season. 

Heading into this showdown between a pair of Premier League squads, here's a look at what the Gunners need to do in order to secure a victory on enemy soil. 

Strong Showings From Lesser-known Lights

Given that Wenger's priority is obviously to remain in first place in the league table, it's not surprising that the Gunners will be relying on a number of younger players in tonight's match. 

One player who is worth keeping an eye on will be Danish star Nicklas Bendtner, who, at least according to The Daily Mail, is set to make his first appearance in an Arsenal kit in two years. 

Though only 25, Bendtner has clearly tested the patience of Arsenal supporters, as the gifted yet controversial striker still hasn't had the impact that he appears to be capable of having. 

In addition, promising young winger Ryo Miyaichi figures to play a prominent role for the Gunners against West Brom, so it'll be interesting to see how the immensely talented 20-year-old performs when given the opportunity to shine. 

A solid match from Mikel Arteta

Since Mesut Ozil came over from Real Madrid, the German international has been a revelation for the Gunners, and has been a big reason for the club's success early on. 

In order for Arsenal to continue the current three-year winning streak it holds over the Baggies, someone's got to pick up the slack in the midfield without Ozil, Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla on the pitch this evening. 

No, Arteta won't be playing as big a role in the Gunners' midfield as he once did, but the vice-captain is still a valuable veteran presence in Arsenal's squad, and with an unusual amount of young players seeing action tonight, his experience is key. 

Against an inferior opponent such as West Brom, he's got the tools to make a difference when on the attack, even without some of the club's more skilled offensive threats running alongside him. 

And, the 31-year-old could also make a case for himself to receive more minutes during league play with a strong showing tonight. 

Containing Shane Long and Saido Berahino

If talent wins out, the Gunners should be able to cruise into the fourth round of the tournament without much trouble, but the club's backs will have to be weary of Irish international Shane Long who, according to RTE, is set to return from injury against Arsenal. 

Long's a proven scorer at the Premier League level, as he's managed eight goals in each of the last two seasons. So he's certainly one threat the Gunners will be focusing on when he's on the pitch. 

In addition to Long, Saido Berahino—who got his Capital One Cup campaign off to a rousing start by recording a hat trick in a win over Newport—is another West Brom striker that Arsenal has to be conscious of, as the 20-year-old has scored consistently at every level of play. 

If they can contain Albion's top offensive weapons, the Gunners will move on because they simply possess too much skill and experience not to.