Arsenal FC: Picking a Starting XI Against West Brom to Secure Third Place

After an abysmal showing against Norwich, Arsenal were granted a lifeline as both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United failed to capitalize on Arsenal's misfortune. Tottenham drew against Aston Villa, while Newcastle stumbled against Manchester City and lost by two goals to nil. 

With one match remaining, third place is in clear sight for the Gunners. All they have to do is win. 

However, with Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta and Theo Walcott all out with injuries, the task is easier said than done. 

Nevertheless, Arsenal do have a bit of squad depth—not much, but just enough to go past West Bromich Albion. 

Here's the best starting XI to win against West Brom and secure Champions League football. 

Goalkeeper

Wojciech Szczesny had a simply awful game against Norwich, a game reminiscent when Manuel Almunia used to man the post.

Wes Hoolahan's shot should have been saved comfortably by the Pole, but he made an absolute hash of it, which resulted in an equalizer for Norwich. 

However, I am confident that he will be back to his usual self against West Brom. 

Defenders

Norwich, especially Grant Holt, fully exposed Arsenal’s defensive frailties, and Arsenal will have to do some solid defending if they hope to secure third place. 

With Bacary Sagna out for the rest of the season after breaking the fibula yet again, Johan Djourou represents the only viable option at right-back. 

At left-back, I hope Andre Santos does not start—Kieran Gibbs would be the much safer option. 

The only plausible choices at central-defense are Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen. 

Hopefully, the defense will also get some support from midfield, unlike against Norwich. West Brom will be aware of these frailties and might look to expose Arsenal to the fullest. 

Midfielders

I would opt for a 4-3-3 formation against West Brom, similar to the formation Wenger employed when Arsenal blew AC Milan out of the waters in the second leg of the Champions League. A standard 4-3-3 formation allows for a stronger defense. 

In addition, Aaron Ramsey should not play. That’s for certain.

Ever since injury dealt a crucial blow to Mikel Arteta, everyone expected Ramsey to step up. However, he has failed miserably in his box-to-box role. I think a loan spell next season might be best for all parties involved. 

Alongside Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky and Yossi Benayoun should play. All three of these players have been in great form these days, and I would expect them to start at the center of the park. 

Forwards

With Theo Walcott out injured, options remain limited for Arsenal. 

Robin van Persie will surely start as the central striker.

Partnering him on the right will be Gervinho, who had probably one of his best showings in an Arsenal shirt against Norwich. He was often the player through which all attacks were channelled.

For the left-forward position, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might be an option worth considering. Often, he he provides that extra creative spark to unlock defenses. Usually operating as an left-attacking midfielder, Oxlade-Chamberlain might perform admirably in a more advanced position as well. 

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