Arsenal were at their best against Reading in the English Premier League game last weekend, notching a comfortable 4-1 win, which could and probably should have gone into double figures. However, this Saturday, the Gunners will know West Brom will not be as easy a proposition.
The race for the top-four is heating up with just six points separating third-placed Tottenham from Everton, who are sixth.
Arsenal are still four behind their North London rivals Spurs, but also have a game in hand. Chelsea were poor against Southampton, but still lie in fourth on 55 points, two behind Tottenham, and like Arsenal, having played a game less.
Spurs and Everton will face each other on Sunday, so one or both teams will drop points. Arsenal need to take advantage of the fact that Chelsea, along with Tottenham, have had a busy week with Europa League engagements on Thursday.
Everything points to Arsenal having the advantage, but advantage on paper means nothing if the performances on the field are not up to scratch; and in Arsenal's case, ever since that 2-1 defeat to Tottenham early last month, it has been quite encouraging.
The Gunners will, however, have to do without Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott yet again, with the English duo ruled out of the game through injury, although there is an outside chance of both of them making it for the tie against Norwich next weekend.
With Abou Diaby out for the season, Arsene Wenger will either stick to the same side that demolished Reading 4-1, with Tomas Rosicky starting in the hole behind Olivier Giroud, or bring back Lukas Podolski, with Santi Cazorla playing the No.10 role.
The form of Gervinho was an encouraging sign, with the much-criticized Ivorian putting in a man of the match performance against Reading. When Gervinho is on song, he really can be a difference maker and Arsenal will need the 25-year-old to be at his best against West Brom, who are sitting pretty in eighth on 44 points.
Steve Clarke has done an admirable job in his first season in charge, and although the Baggies really do not have much to play for, there is no way they are going to make it easy for Arsenal at the Hawthorns Saturday. The fact that the pressure is off for West Brom, though, might make it an open and entertaining game.
West Brom will be without the suspended Youssouf Mulumbu, but James Morrison is available after recovering from his injury.
Momentum is such an important factor in the final run-in, and Arsenal need to maintain their good form against West Brom, because three points will see them go up to fourth, for at least 24 hours.
Expected lineups: West Brom: Foster; Ridgewell, McAuley, Jones, Olsson; Dorrans, Yacob, Morrison, Brunt; Long, Lukaku.
Arsenal: Fabianski; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Gervinho, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.
Prediction: 4-2 to Arsenal
