Arsenal must battle with Baggies as injury crisis deepens

Wenger stated: “We were more under pressure because on Saturday we played well but maybe we were victims of our generous attitude going forward. Here we had a bit more urgency to defend.”

The Gunners have only managed to keep consecutive clean sheets once before this season, but after shutting out Dortmund will be keen to further improve their defensive record.

In offence, Arsenal have little to worry about, with Alexis Sanchez in full throttle. The Chile superstar has been on target seven times in his last six outings across all competitions, including bagging two braces.

After being so influential in attack recently, Sanchez is 7/2 to fire home first, or 4/1 to score two or more. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud, who netted a sensational consolation goal against United, is 6/5 to strike again anytime as he continues to reintegrate himself into the side.

Arsenal will have to hope Sanchez and co can find a way past the Baggies’ improved backline, however. Irvine’s men still conceded two against Chelsea last time out, but with 10 men against the might of the imperious Diego Costa, their display was much lauded, even by the ‘Special One’ himself.

Speaking after the clash Irvine stated: “Jose said immediately after the game that it was a magnificent performance with 10 players and I have to agree with him on the defensive side.”

Claudio Yacob will be suspended for his two-footed lunge on Costa, and centre back Jonas Olsson is still on the treatment table.

This means that whilst Arsenal fine tune their rearguard, West Brom must turn their attention to attack and hope the likes of Brown Ideye (11/4 to net anytime) can finally spark alongside Berahino in attack.