Preview: Injuries force Arsenal to make more changes than expected
Arsenal's current run of form has been impressive, having won seven straight matches since their opening day debacle against Aston Villa. Most of the football world was quick to write off the Gunners, but since then, the North London side now find themselves top of the English Premier League.
On Wednesday, they will get a chance to continue their current winning streak, with an away match against West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies have not been able to defeat the Gunners in the last three years, and considering their inconsistencies this season, Steve Clark's side could be in for another frustrating evening.
"We can be dangerous underdogs," Clark told the club's official website. "As a team, the last two performances have been good."
"Arsenal at home is a difficult game -- it's a good game," he added. "I've got a nice squad of players who all want to play. It's up to me to get the right mix on the pitch on Wednesday. Hopefully winning on Wednesday night and progressing in the cup will be good for the squad, because we have a big squad, so the longer you stay in the cup competitions the better."
With nowhere near as many injury concerns as Arsene Wenger, the West Brom manager will still have a few injury problems to deal with.
Chris Brunt, Ben Foster and Shane Long are all confirmed absences, while Steven Reid, Matej Vydra and George Thome are all doubtful.
Wanting to build off of their win at the weekend over Sunderland, the Baggies will be looking forward to a cup tie against the Gunners. Arsene Wenger's squad is currently first and they should be able to bring out the best in Clark's squad.
The Gunners will have to fight off West Brom without England international Theo Walcott. Having missed out against Stoke at the weekend, Walcott's injury appears to be more serious than initially expected. A possible three week absence will add to Arsenal's already long list of injuries, but Arsene Wenger is confident of finding the right balance on Wednesday.
"I will try to find a good balance between experience and youth," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "At the back, you will have players you know well. Up front, you have a bit more improvisation and young players."
"We want to win this competition as well. I try to find the right balance between giving a needed breather to some players like Jack Wilshere and Ramsey, who have given a lot. I take the competition very seriously as well because it's an opportunity to win a trophy. We don't want to neglect that."
Wanting to win is in Wenger's DNA, but winning the League Cup would also be something he has never done since his arrival at the club.
The Arsenal players know that they will encounter a very tough match on Wednesday, regardless of how inconsistent the hosts have been up until now. Arsene Wenger's side has already proven that they have enough talent, but they have also been knocked out by lower division opponents before as well.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal live on Wednesday, September 25, 2013:
Internationally at 18:45 GMT on: Arsenal Player
In UK at 19:45 BST on: Arsenal Player (Online audio)
There have not been any live telecast confirmed in the USA, Canada or the UK. But for viewers in Africa, they can follow the action on Al Jazeera Sport +3.
For full TV listings, be sure to visit the West Bromwich vs Arsenal match page.
