Arsene Wenger has implemented a few changes to his Arsenal starting XI against West Brom, presumably with an eye on the Gunners upcoming FA Cup Final with Aston Villa in six days time.
SEE MORE:
Didier Drogba confirms Chelsea exit in emotional statement
£50m PSG swoop for Manchester United flop
Arturo Vidal to Arsenal ‘all but done’: South American journalist’s incredible claims
The Frenchman has such a luxury as Arsenal have all but secured Champions League automatic qualification next season following their 0-0 draw on Wednesday with Sunderland.
To miss out on third place the Gunners would have to lose to West Brom today whilst Manchester United would have to win away to Hull City and for there to be an unrealistic seven goal swing.
Laurent Koscielny drops to the bench as does Aaron Ramsey, Nacho Monreal and Olivier Giroud.
It means Gabriel, Kieran Gibbs, Coquelin, and Theo Walcott all earn much coveted starts.
.@Arsenal team to play West Brom: Ospina, Bellerin, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Wilshere, Ozil, Alexis, Walcott #AFCvWBA
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 24, 2015
As we said, a few changes to protect Arsenal’s key players from Wenger with the spine of Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny on the bench.
There’s also a welcome return to the bench from Alex Oxlade Chamberlain who has been out of action since March’s 2-1 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup.
.@Arsenal subs: Szczesny, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud #AFCvWBA
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 24, 2015
For West Brom it’s a much similar side to the one that dispatched Chelsea 3-0 so comfortably last Monday. Saido Berahino will certainly give Arsenal’s defence a much needed test ahead of their game with Villa at Wembley.
Albion v @Arsenal: Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Lescott, Fletcher, Yacob, Morrison, McManaman, Brunt, Berahino. #ARSWBA #COYB
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) May 24, 2015
Albion subs v @Arsenal: Palmer, Baird, Gamboa, Gardner, Anichebe, Ideye, Roberts. #ARSWBA #COYB
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) May 24, 2015
COMMENTS