Nonetheless, it is the Gunners who visit the Hawthorns this weekend, and even if a victory proves to be unattainable, the fans will be looking for a performance that suggests that the Baggies are about to turn the corner.

Despite Albion's poor form, there have been worse times to play Arsenal. They sit in seventh place in the table, but their performances have hardly set the world alight this term. Only Fulham have found themselves on the end of real beating when they were defeated 4-1 at Highbury and Arsenal were a little fortunate to beat Birmingham 1-0 on their last outing. They do have a 100% record at home, however, but their away form has been particularly disappointing. Defeats at Stamford Bridge and the Riverside mean that their only away point in the Premiership this season came at Upton Park in a 0-0 draw. They did manage a win at Ajax in the Champions League, but a late consolation from Jose Antonio Reyes at Boro' remains their only goal in the Premiership away from home.

So they are some way from being the invincible Arsenal we are used to, which some have put down to missing personnel. The loss of Patrick Vieira to Juventus in the summer has proved to be significant, but the injury to Thierry Henry has, perhaps, been more significant in the past few weeks.

Henry is a major doubt for the Hawthorns match, as is centre back Philippe Senderos. With Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell definitely sidelined, it leaves Wenger with only half his regular back four. With Cygan and Clichy likely to deputise alongside Toure and Lauren (assuming they all return from international duty unscathed), Albion will surely feel that it is a defence that can be breached.

Of course, Arsenal are still a very strong side despite their missing stars. Koure and Lauren are both first class defenders, and the central midfield pairing of Fabregas and Gilberto have obvious quality although not perhaps the presence of Vieira and Edu. On the flanks, Ljungberg and Pires have not quite shown the quality we expect from them so far this season, but new signing Alexander Hleb looks impressive.

Up front, Reyes has led the line in the absence of Henry with support from Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie. All are capable of brilliance and will prove a handful for the leaky Albion defence. If Bergkamp plays, whoever is selected as Albion's defensive midfielder will need to be particularly alert as the Dutchman can work miracles if given a little space in the "hole".

It may be a reasonably good time to play Arsenal, but they remain a very stern test and, like Albion, they will be looking to get their season going. They are eleven points behind Chelsea, albeit with a game in hand, and if they do have realistic hopes of winning the Premiership, they will surely see this game as a must-win.

For the Baggies, it is not necessarily a must-win, but it is a must-perform. Many Albion fans will accept defeat to Arsenal, but only if it comes following a determined attack-minded display from the home side.

So what will Robson do?

There has been much criticism of his team selection and tactics of late, and with a fortnight to reflect on what has happened and work with those players not on international duty, Albion fans will be expecting a fresh approach.

Injury could well mean that one of the players subject to the fans' wrath, Kevin Campbell, misses out anyway. That could well pave the way for the Duke 'n' Earnie show that many would like to see. With Gera also unlikely to recover from his groin injury, Diomansy Kamara may well get a start. There is also the option to play Kanu, who scored for Nigeria last weekend, either as a striker or perhaps behind the front two.

The main area of concern, central midfield, is becoming interesting. Whether it is as a result of fans' pressure or not, I'm not sure, but recent articles on the official web site have sought to address concerns about the "missing" players. Inamoto and Carter have both been discussed this week, in particular their need to improve the defensive side of their game. Ina's apparent threat to seek a move away from the Hawthorns on loan may have sparked an official response, but Darren Carter has been publicly silent on his non-inclusion. There have been calls from some fans, however, to see the youngster given more of a chance. Whether these stories are a prelude to one or both of them to be included in the squad this weekend, we'll have to wait and see.

My team for Saturday would be as follows:

Kirkland; Albrechtsen, Davies, Clement, Robinson; Chaplow, Inamoto, Greening; Kanu; Earnshaw, Ellington.

On the bench, I'd have Kuszczak, Kamara, Moore, Horsfield and Watson.

I'd keep the midfield three fairly tight and use Robinson and Albrechtsen to provide the width. Without Ashley Cole to contend with, the Dane may get more opportunity to push forward. Kanu can keep the ball well in the middle and feed the pacey front two.

If things need changing, Kamara can offer a more orthodox wide option and, providing he can stay onside, the Horse can cause a different sort of problem. Watson and Moore will be able to shore things up if, by some miracle, we're defending a lead late on.

I'd be pleasantly surprised to see the above, but I suspect that playing Kanu in midfield may be a little too adventurous for Robson and I still half expect Wallwork to keep his place. We may well get the Duke up front, but Earnie's fitness following his Wales duties may mean he misses out.

Whatever team plays, its important that Albion give the home fans a performance to be proud of, irrespective of the result. Hope is waning and it needs to be restored.