West Brom vs. Arsenal: How the Gunners Should Line Up in Premier League Game

Arsenal’s selection for the match with West Bromwich Albion will be dependent on the latest briefing from their medical department. The Gunners already had a considerable injury list, and the victory over Dortmund did not come without a cost: both Yaya Sanogo and Mikel Arteta picked up problems likely to rule them out of the weekend’s action.

Wojciech Szczesny missed the Dortmund game with bruised ribs acquired against Manchester United. In his absence, Emiliano Martinez excelled, producing his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date. Speaking to Arsenal.com, he made it clear he is determined to fight for his first-team place:

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I have been working with the team for many years and they have confidence in me, they told me I would be alright and I went into the game completely relaxed.

I have been lucky [to get my chance] because Ospina and Wojciech have been injured but that is how football is: you have to get your opportunity and take it and I think I did that here.

"

Martinez’s performance against Dortmund means Wenger will not worry about him using him again at the weekend. However, in spite of the youngster’s newfound confidence, a fit Szczesny would be certain to reclaim his first-team place. Arsene Wenger will want to give his No. 1 every chance to take part on Saturday.

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Whoever plays in goal, Arsenal’s back four is likely to remain the same. After keeping a clean sheet against Dortmund, Wenger is likely to gamble again on Nacho Monreal as partner for Per Mertesacker. As much as Arsenal fans are eager to see the return of Laurent Koscielny, they’ll surely appreciate the risks of rushing him back. A set-back at this stage could prove very costly.

In midfield, Arsenal must find a way to cope with the absence of Mikel Arteta. In reality, the search for a solution won’t take long: with Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere injured and Francis Coquelin out on loan, Mathieu Flamini is the only realistic option.

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Flamini will play in tandem with Aaron Ramsey, and his main task will be to shut down the runs from deep of Stephane Sessegnon. The Benin international’s speed and trickery can make him a menace in the gap between midfield and defence.

Ahead of Flamini and Ramsey, Santi Cazorla is likely to continue as No. 10. After being afforded a rare start in the centre against Dortmund, he responded with a busy performance capped with two assists. He has earned a run in his preferred role.

Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been Arsenal’s outstanding players of late, so they should be the first and second names on the team-sheet respectively. Wenger’s final decision will be who should join them as the spearhead of the Arsenal attack.

The choice is between Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck. Giroud made an impressive cameo against Manchester United, but he is without a start since August. Welbeck, meanwhile, missed out on the Dortmund game with injury and is enduring a barren spell in front of goal.

Nevertheless, this game could suit the Englishman’s talents. Away from home, Arsenal will probably look to hit West Brom with rapier counter-attacks. His speed will suit that strategy. Giroud has already scored goals as a sub against Everton and United, so he would offer a genuinely useful alternative from the bench.

Arsenal XI to face WBA

It’s an XI that ought to have enough to see off the Baggies and get Arsenal’s ailing Premier League campaign back on track.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.