Arsenal's season seems to be going from bad to worse, with Arsène Wenger's side having lost to Swansea City and Manchester United consecutively in the Premier League, and sustaining yet more injuries in their win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek. Heading into Saturday's early kickoff away at West Bromwich Albion, a Gunners victory is far from assured.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Arsenal live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Arsenal suffered yet more injury problems in midweek, offering West Brom an even better chance of upsetting them at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
West Brom have been pretty patchy themselves so far this season, but Alan Irvine’s side are still own in a respectable mid-table spot heading into the weekend. In Saido Berahino, they also have one of England’s top attacking talents in their ranks, who is capable of doing damage against any side. Let’s see if the Gunners’ makeshift defence holds up.
Key player - Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
With Arsenal’s midfielders dropping like flies, Aaron Ramsey will soon be the last man standing. And, considering his importance to the Gunners, that’s just as well. Unlike any other Arsenal midfielder, he adds a creativity and a dynamism in the centre of the park which can unlock defences in an instant. With Wenger’s style often lacking in penetration, an on-form Ramsey is vital.
Key matchup - Alexis Sánchez vs. West Brom’s full-backs
Vital as Ramsey may be, he's still not Arsenal's most technically-gifted player. That honour falls to Chilean attacker Alexis Sánchez, who has been typically impressive since making the move to the Emirates from Barcelona in the summer. He'll probably be either up against Chris Baird or Andre Wisdom in this match, and he could make mincemeat of both of them.
West Bromwich Albion injuries and suspensions
Out: Jonas Olsson (achilles), Silvestre Varela (groin), Claudio Yacob (suspended). In doubt: Sébastien Pocognoli (hamstring).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: David Ospina (thigh), Mesut Özil (knee), Mathieu Debuchy, Jack Wilshere (ankle), Wojciech Szczęsny (hip), Mikel Arteta (calf). In doubt: Theo Walcott (groin), Serge Gnabry (knee)
West Brom will be without veteran defender Jonas Olsson and winger Silvestre Varela, while midfielder Claudio Yacob misses out injured. Belgian international full-back Sébastien Pocognoli could return from a hamstring injury to be involved. Arsenal, meanwhile, will still be without an incredible number of players, with the midfield duo of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta the latest to be sidelined with injuries.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2, Directv (U.S.), RDS, TSN1, TSN4 (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
See More:
