EPL Preview: Predicting Arsenal's Starting XI Against West Bromwich Albion

It has been a rough fortnight or so for Arsenal and their manager Arsene Wenger.

Two weeks ago, Wenger was confident his young Arsenal side, which he'd nurtured and developed for a number of seasons, had come to fruition. He was confident they were capable of achieving the monumental "quadruple," succeeding in the English Premier League, Carling Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

However, in just two weeks, the Gunners have gone from a dominating presence, competing in four renowned competitions, to a feeble side, participating only in the EPL.

After losing the Carling Cup Final to Birmingham City, the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie to Spanish kings Barcelona and the FA Cup quarterfinal match to rivals Manchester United, Arsene Wenger's attention is fixed solely on the English Premier League.

What better way for Wenger and his youthful squad to re-emerge as a genuine title contender and set their fans' minds at ease?

After all, the North London giants are in a great position to secure the EPL title for the first time since their notorious "Invincibles" run in 2003/2004.

If any trophy was to be the silverware to diminish Arsenal's five-season trophy drought, it's this one.

The Gunners currently sit in second place in the EPL, three points adrift of Manchester United but with a game in-hand.

The perfect opportunity has now arisen for Wenger to continue heaping pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson's men as United are forced to focus on multiple competitions.

But first, Arsenal have West Bromwich Albion standing in their way.

The Baggies shocked England when they defeated the Gunners at the Emirates, 3-2, earlier in the season. With Roy Hodgson's men boasting home advantage at the Hawthorns this time around, it will not be an easy encounter for the unconfident and injury-stricken Arsenal.

But West Brom aren't exactly at their best, either. The Baggies have recorded just one EPL win in their last six encounters and are in a tight battle to avoid the relegation zone.

Currently in 16th place, WBA are just one point out of the drop zone, which will ensure that both teams have all to play for come Saturday.

Let's predict the Arsenal starting lineup. 

Goalkeeper

During Arsenal's horror fortnight, Wenger not only lost his reputation, pride and places in several competitions, but the Frenchman also lost his goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, to a dislocated finger and tendon damage against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

The Polish shot-stopper had been in superb form since receiving the first choice keeper role in January.

Szczensy took over from predominant first choice Lukasz Fabianski, whose season was ended in December when the Polish international suffered a dislocated shoulder. Boom youngster Vito Mannone is also injured with a thigh strain.

Szczesny is estimated to be absent for around two months, which gives Wenger further headaches as he now has just one fit first-team keeper in Manuel Almunia. This ensures the Spaniard will start against West Bromwich Albion.

Wenger is rumoured to be re-signing former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann from retirement to assist with the lack of depth in the keeping department, but no deal has materialized as of yet.

James Shea, who is yet to make his professional debut for Arsenal, will receive the deputy keeper role as a result. 

Defenders

As previously stated, it has been a horrific fortnight for Wenger and Arsenal.

This was summed up when it emerged that key defender Johan Djourou, who has easily been Arsenal's best defender since the new year, suffered a dislocated shoulder against Manchester United and will miss the remainder of the season.

After losing defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen in August to an Achilles injury, which the Belgian is still recovering from, Wenger has been short on central defensive depth.

Djourou's injury means that the Gunners only boast two first-team center-backs in Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci.

The French duo will undoubtedly start in the center of defense, while youngster Ignasi Miguel, who has only featured twice for the Gunners, will receive a role on the bench.

At right back, Bacary Sagna will of course feature for the Gunners whilst Gael Clichy will be on the left.

Their respective deputies Emmanuel Eboue and Kieran Gibbs will compete for a bench role with England international Gibbs the likely candidate. 

Midfielders

Captain and maestro Cesc Fabregas is still nursing a hamstring injury that re-occurred against Barcelona.

The Spaniard is likely to miss the encounter, as is defensive midfielder Alexandre Song, who has a knee problem.

Teenage sensation Jack Wilshere will, as usual, take his role as the deep-lying playmaker, whilst Abou Diaby and Denilson will take on Cesc Fabregas and Alexandre Song's roles, integrating between the two.

The duo have not been in the most impressive form of late, with fans growing increasingly frustrated. However, another opportunity arises for Denilson and Diaby to show their quality.

There is also the return of Aaron Ramsey to look forward to.

The Welsh star finally made his long-awaited return against the league leaders in the Cup last week. Ramsey had not featured for Arsenal since February 2010, after the horrific leg break he suffered against Stoke City.

The 20-year old looked sharp against Manchester United as he came off the bench, but it's unlikely Wenger will grant him a starting berth. Ramsey will join Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky on the bench. 

Forwards

Star striker Robin van Persie will lead the Gunners' attack as the lone striker, as the Dutchman looks to add to his impressive tally since the new year.

On the right wing, the in-form Samir Nasri will start. The French dynamo scored twice when these two sides last met in September.

On the left wing, Nicklas Bendtner and Russian magician Andrei Arshavin compete for the role with Arshavin likely to win out.

Bendtner will join fellow striker Marouane Chamakh on the bench and both will be utilized as impact players.

Theo Walcott is still out with an ankle injury suffered in February. 

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, James Shea will be the backup keeper, with youngsters Kieran Gibbs and Ignasi Miguel the likely substitute defenders.

Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey are set to be the deputy midfielders, with one destined to be introduced at some point, while Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh are the impact forwards.

This looks to be an interesting fixture that most would expect Arsenal to win.

Then again, we all thought the same thing last time and most will remember how that ended.