Arsenal v West Brom preview

Watch Arsenal v West Brom live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 15th August 2008

arsenal samir nasri stuttgart

Nasri: Set for debut

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 3-1

SKY BET odds: Arsenal 2/9, Draw 5/1, West Brom 12/1

One to Watch: Samir Nasri

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Arsenal begin their quest for Premier League glory against newly promoted West Brom, live on Sky Sports 1.

The Gunners made a flying start to last season before suffering a dip in form and finishing third, four points behind champions Manchester United.

Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto have all left Emirates Stadium this summer to leave Arsene Wenger short of options in midfield.

To add to Wenger's problems, a number of key players are still struggling with injuries and will not be fit to face West Brom.

Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (thigh) are both sidelined, while Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and summer signing Amaury Bischoff (groin) are also recovering after lengthy lay-offs.

Wenger was forced to field a midfield quartet with a combined age of 81 in the UEFA Champions League qualifier against FC Twente in midweek.

Welsh teenager Aaron Ramsey and Brazilian Denilson look set to keep their places despite putting in a lot of effort against the Dutch side.

Samir Nasri sat out the clash with Twente due to a niggling thigh and knee

complaint, but Wenger has indicated that he will make his debut against the Baggies.

Kolo Toure could also return following a bout of malaria and a hip problem, replacing Johan Djourou as William Gallas' central defensive partner.

Mowbray options

West Brom clinched the Championship title last season and will be hoping the momentum can carry them through to a successful campaign in the top flight.

Tony Mowbray's priority will no doubt be survival but he will feel that his side can compete against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

However, he will be without several players for the season opener due to injury.

Striker Luke Moore has a thigh problem, midfielder Robert Koren is still not fit following a knee ligament injury and defender Neil Clement also has a knee injury.

Gianni Zuiverloon will not be able to make his debut as he is at the Olympic Games with Holland.

Abdoulaye Meite, who joined Albion from Bolton in a £3.5million deal last weekend, is likely to play.

Possible starting XIs

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Ramsey, Denilson, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor

West Brom: Carson, Hoefkens, Meite, Barnett, Cech, Morrison, Brunt, Greening, Kim, Bednar, Miller