Club News

Arsenal v Albion - team news

Mel forced to make two changes to starting XI

DIEGO Lugano is handed his first start in 13 games as Pepe Mel makes two enforced changes to the team that beat West Ham 1-0 last weekend.

Billy Jones, having only returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem 13 days ago, is rested as a precaution as the Baggies set out on three games in a week.

And Steven Reid is forced to miss out due to the groin injury he sustained against the Hammers - forcing a reshuffle in defence.

James Morrison is also elevated from the bench to the starting XI.

Albion are buoyed by the return of Gareth McAuley among the substitutes after a two-game absence due to a calf injury.

Thievy misses out altogether, with Scott Sinclair and Liam O’Neil back on the bench.

Arsene Wenger makes just one change to the Gunners team that beat Newcastle 3-0 last weekend.

Mathieu Flamini comes in for Aaron Ramsey, who is left out altogether.

ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Arteta (c), Cazorla, Ozil, Podolski, Giroud. Subs: Fabianski (gk), Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Kallstrom, Rosicky, Diaby, Sanogo.

ALBION: Foster, Dawson, Lugano, Olsson, Brunt (c), Amalfitano, Mulumbu, Morrison, Dorrans, Sessegnon, Berahino. Subs: Myhill (gk), Anichebe, O’Neil, Sinclair, Vydra, McAuley, Yacob.

REFEREE: M Jones (Cheshire).