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Mikel Arteta is expected to reward Alexandre Lacazette for his winning goal against Brighton by welcoming him back to Arsenal’s starting eleven on Saturday.
The Gunners have racked up back-to-back victories after a dismal streak to provide some renewed optimism for the new year.
Lacazette was on the scoreboard from the penalty spot in a 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day, before coming off the bench to help his team snatch all three points from Brighton.
Gabriel Martinelli had been the favorite on the left of Arsenal’s three forwards at Amex Stadium, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the way on his return from injury.
But Lacazette is likely to join forces with his captain for the journey to the Hawthorns, with Bukayo Saka retaining her place on the right flank.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
That could mean Aubameyang being pushed back into a broad role, with Lacazette operating in the middle.
Behind him, Arteta will keep faith in the young Emile Smith-Rowe after his impressive first team stint.
Mikel Arteta’s gunners have been deprived of title glory for a while now, but things could be turning as a new Arsenal team chart a course for success.
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New signings Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey have started to work after their big summer arrivals, and the new Gunners are doing their best for a top four spot and Europa League glory this season.
Mesut Ozil’s situation continues to hang in the background and there are plenty of things to do in North London to keep up with.
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Thomas Partey is no closer to being available and has yet to recover from his thigh injury, which means Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny are likely to pair up again in the middle of the park.
In the back, Gabriel also remains sidelined, with Pablo Mari and Rob Holding set to continue as the Gunners’ central defensive pair.
Who will win between Arsenal and West Brom? Please express your opinion below.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kieran Tierney and Héctor Bellerin will fulfill their usual roles as respective full-backs in a four-man defense, facing goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Willian could also be involved after returning to training this week after injury, although he will likely only occupy one spot on Arsenal’s bench.
Arsenal predicted XI vs West Brom: Log; Bellerin, Mari, Holding, Tierney; Xhaka, Elneny, Smith-Rowe; So, Aubameyang, Lacazette.
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