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Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs West Brom: Breaking Down Baggies

ByRob Worthington|
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on December 29, 2020. (Photo by Frank Augstein / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on December 29, 2020. (Photo by Frank Augstein / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Emile Smith Rowe, Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Midfielders

Dani Ceballos (CM) – Mohamed Elneny‘s time in the starting XI must come to an end. He’s a decent squad option but he can’t be starting on a regular basis. Therefore, it’s time for Arteta to freshen things up in the centre of the park, with is only real option being Dani Ceballos.

Arsenal can sacrifice some defensive steel in midfield given the Baggies’ expected approach. They can, and they should.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Alongside the Spaniard, Granit Xhaka should retain his spot. The Ceballos-Xhaka partnership has been mostly awful since it performed well in the FA Cup run, although the less-than-ambitious opponents on Saturday may see the duo play with more freedom.

Xhaka’s response since his red card warrants a third consecutive start.

Emile Smith Rowe (CAM) – Who hasn’t enjoyed watching Emile Smith Rowe since he’s been welcomed in to the Premier League team by Arteta? He’s linked play excellently in the No. 10 role and has offered an impressive off-the-ball work rate to match his attacking play. Undroppable.

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