Win, whatever it takes: Arsenal vs West Brom Preview, Team news.

Morning all,

The season’s close draws nearer by the second as we enter the last day of the league.

Much is still to play for as Arsenal have it all to do in their upcoming match away at West Brom. Of course we may get lucky with Tottenham and Newcastle both ending up losing and we finish third anyway. However I fear our luck of results going our way may have finally run out.

We must surely rely on ourselves to get the job done and in spite of everything that has happened in the turbulent season surely a 3^rd place finish can be seen as successful. (I anxiously await the torrent of abuse that will ensue following that comment.)

Today is a must win game and I do not prescribe to the notion that a year out of the Champions League will not be all bad. It will be awful. I will cry. It may not be a trophy but from a marketing point of view (which is imperative to keep hold of and recruit stars) may be far more important than a domestic cup. So to miss out would surely spell the end of Van Persie’s time at the club or so you would have thought.

Anyway, that is not an option and nor should we have to even contemplate it. We are in a position where we need to beat West Brom to confirm third place. Anyone under normal circumstances would be overjoyed with that predicament. Not arsenal fans at present though. Given our current form, nothing can be taken for granted. Our last four fixtures read Wigan 0 points, Chelsea 1 point, Stoke 1 point and Norwich 1 point. 3 points out of a possible 12 is the kind of form associated with the teams at the bottom of the table as opposed to a team fighting for third.

Despite the awful form, there have been some positives to take from the previous games. We have created a number of opportunities in each of the games and should have really won all of them. It is important we do our utmost to win. Whatever it takes. We are not really helped out by another influx of injuries to the first team.

According to Arsenal.com; all of Arteta (ankle), Diaby (calf), Mertesacker (ankle), Sagna (broken leg), Wilshere (ankle), Frimpong (knee) are confirmed to be out with the addition of Walcott who faces a late fitness test. I would suggest that he may play some part in the fixture if needed but perhaps will not start.

Therefore expect the team to line up like this.

           

                                                            Szczesny

Coquelin                      Koscienly                       Vermaelen                         Gibbs

                                    Song                               Oxlade-Chamberlain

                                                            Rosicky

Gervinho                                                                                                     Benayoun

                                                              RVP

There could be changes depending on where they want Chamberlain to play as I cannot see Ramsey playing today.

This is Roy Hodgson’s final game before taking on the impossible; his team will be up for it and very well organised. The one thing that goes for us is they will look to shape up in a 442 which will enable us to outnumber and hopefully out pass them. We cannot afford to go all out attack and leave the gaping holes we left last week so expect a more disciplined display. Also expect a more measured approach if we are winning the game.

I am confident we can win but am not confident we will. Sounds ridiculous and it is because I am a nervous wreck. Be sure to post comments about how you are feeling about today's game and any predictions in the comment section below.

With the right attitude, commitment and skill, we should rightfully take our place as the third best team in the land. If we don’t, we only have ourselves to blame.

Come on Arsenal.