Match Previews

Arsenal v Albion match preview

ALBION will be looking to get back on track after their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday. Monday evening marks a return to Premier League action and a visit to the Emirates Stadium (ko 8pm).

The Baggies were unfortunate to come off second best against City. And Tony Pulis will take heart from a dominant second-half display as he prepares his side for another clash with one of the 'big boys'.

The opposition

It's been a mixed bag for Arsenal so far this season. An enthralling opening-day victory over Leicester at the Emirates was cancelled out by consecutive defeats at Stoke and Liverpool. But Arsene Wenger's side remain unbeaten at home, chalking up further wins over Bournemouth (Premier League), FC Koln (Europa League) and Doncaster Rovers (Carabao Cup).

A clash with the Baggies comes at a point in the season where Arsenal need to start picking up points. The Gunners already find themselves six points behind early pace-setters Manchester City with just five games played.

The Gaffers

Arsene Wenger on Kieran Gibbs: 

“It will strange to see him in a different shirt because he is a player who has been educated here from a very young age.

“I am sure that he will have great motivation and will have a huge influence at West Brom, and it can give another push to his career.

“He has become an English international here. He has made a good career here and I believe that Arsenal is very proud for that and Kieran Gibbs can be proud.”

Tony Pulis on Arsenal:

"They are a top team with top players. You go there knowing it will be a really tough game. They have some outstanding individual players players who can win games by themselves.

"Irrespective of what the team are or are not doing those players can change games. 

"We're looking forward to it, every time you go and play against one of the big clubs I think it's fantastic to go and compete against them."

Team news:

Jake Livermore is available after being rested for last week's draw with West Ham and Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City. Pulis will assess the progress of Chris Brunt, Oliver Burke and Nacer Chadli. Santi Cazorla (plantaris), Calum Chambers (hip), Danny Welbeck (groin), Francis Coquelin (hamstring) are all likely to be missing for Arsenal.

Last time out

Baggies fans won't need reminding of the last meeting with Arsenal. Craig Dawson was at the double before Hal-Robson Kanu sealed a memorable 3-1 victory at The Hawthorns in March. 

Stats

Albion

  • Albion have scored in each of their last six away games in all competitions.
  • September 25 is a special date for Albion fans when remembering games against the Gunners. Monday's clash marks seven years since Roberto Di Matteo's Baggies stunned Arsenal with a 3-2 win at the Emirates.
  • Should he feature, Garry Barry will become the Premier League all-time leading appearance maker.

A 'boing boing' from Brunty after that famous victory

Arsenal

  • Arsenal have won their last seven Premier League games at the Emirates, their longest such run at home since April 2015 (9).
  • Alexandre Lacazette could become the first Gunner to score in each of his first three home Premier League games for the club.
  • Albion travel to the Emirates above their opponents in the table for the first time in the Premier League era.

From the archive

Here are the best bits from last season's 3-1 triumph.

Head to head

Arsenal dominate the head to head record between the two sides with 70 wins to 38. 30 games have been drawn.

Ticket news

Albion have an allocation of 1,522 for the London trip and tickets are now on general sale.

Seats are priced £30 adults/seniors (65 and over), £16 16-18 years and £10 under-16s and can be purchased online, in person from the East Stand Ticket Office or by calling 0121 227 2227.

Coach travel, departing Kidderminster at 1.30pm, Stourbridge and Lye at 1.45pm and The Hawthorns at 2.30pm, is on offer for £16.

Follow the game

Comprehensive coverage of the clash with the Gunners is available in our new Match Centre, where you can listen to free live commentary on WBA Radio or follow our live text feed.

WBA Radio is the only service that allows Baggies fans around the world - from Smethwick to the Sahara - access to uninterrupted live commentaries from every one of our competitive games. Join Gez Mulholland and Dave Bowler for Baggies-biased live commentary on Monday.

You'll also be able to find score updates on the club's social media channels.

Twitter - @WBA

Facebook - West Bromwich Albion

Instagram - wba

  • Home