"A season within a game. Ninety minutes which will define 10 months of elation, frustration and drama." - as quoted in Arsenal's website.
No doubt its gonna be a crucial decider for the three club's fate next year that are Arsenal, their rivals Tottenham and Newcastle. Wenger said "It reminds me of the final game at Highbury" where Arsenal had to win to finish in the Champions League position for the next season from their bitter rivals Tottenham. At that last game, Henry scored a hat-trick and Tottenham lost making way for the North London club to go to CL.
Just like the same situation, Arsenal face West Brom in which a win for the Gooners will guarantee them a CL spot next season. As a win is necessary because they cannot keep their fate on Chelsea's hands. A draw or above result will do it for Arsenal.
Star players like Theo Walcott on doubt for the game and Sagna joining the long term injury list with Arteta, Diaby, Wilshere and Mertesacker, will make it more difficult for Wenger. However, AW thinking that Walcott will contribute for the season's last crucial game meaning that he might be in the subs.
On the other hand, its going to be Roy Hodgson's last game for WBA as from Monday he is to join the Three Lions team. WBA's captain Chris Brunt is out for the game following his surgery to remove tonsil. Their utility player Paul Scharner will be playing as their top scorer Odemwingie and former Arsenal trainee Jerome Thomas are both doubts.
Team News:
West Brom: Odemwingie (doubt - hamstring), Thomas (doubt - illness). Brunt (illness), Gera (knee), Reid (foot)
Arsenal: Walcott (test - hamstring), Arteta (ankle), Diaby (calf), Mertesacker (ankle), Sagna (broken leg), Wilshere (ankle), Frimpong (knee)
Random Facts
West Brom have lost more home games than any side outside the bottom three.
The last time Arsenal won a trophy without the retiring Pat Rice at the club was 1953.
The last time West Brom kept a clean-sheet against Arsenal was in November 1985.
This will be Arsène Wenger's 600th Premier League game in charge of Arsenal.
Robin van Persie needs one goal to equal the record for Premier League goals in a 38-game season. He'd
have 31 like Alan Shearer in 1995-96 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007-08. courtesy - Arsenal.com
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