Premier League preview: Arsenal v West Brom

Arsenal host West Brom at the Emirates on Saturday looking to extend their winning streak in the Premier League to four matches.

Following their win at Stamford Bridge in an eight-goal thriller, Arsenal were less impressive in their goalless Champions League draw with Marseille on Tuesday.

Robin van Persie’s absence seemed to trigger a lethargic performance until he was brought on in the second half.

Having scored a sublime hat-trick in the win over Chelsea, including his 10th league goal of the season from as many games, Arsenal’s perceived reliance on the Dutch forward may become a worry as the season wares on.

In contrast, Thomas Vermaelen’s return to the side against the French side will please Gunners fans.

Although they have been in excellent Premier League form of late, the defence has hardly been watertight and his organisation at the back was evident against Marseille.

Weekend opponents West Brom will head to London without two key players as knee injuries have ruled out striker Shane Long and defender Paul Scharner.

Long looks set to miss six weeks with a knee injury he sustained following a robust Alan Hutton challenge against Aston Villa almost a fortnight ago.

The Republic of Ireland international was on the wrong end of the nasty tackle and will also miss his country’s two Euro 2012 play-off matches with Estonia.

In a further blow, Austrian Scharner will have scans on his troublesome knee and will most likely miss the trip to London.

In some good news, Zoltan Gera could make a first start on his second spell with 13th-placed West Brom.

Hungarian Gera was withdrawn from the reserve squad that played Chelsea midweek, an indicator he will see minutes against Arsenal.

A spot in the top four is not out of the question for Arsenal if they can continue their fine run while a win for West Brom could see them move up as high as eighth.

The Baggies proved to be somewhat of a bogey side for Arsenal last season with the Gunners suffering a 3-2 loss at the Emirates following a 2-2 draw between the sides earlier in the campaign.