Reid returns as captain as Clarke makes eight changes
SHANE Long returns from a two-game injury absence to start in attack for the Baggies as Steve Clarke makes eight changes to the team that beat Sunderland 3-0 in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.
Steven Reid is another of the changes to the Baggies’ starting XI as he makes his first appearance of the season following a pre-season calf problem – and captains the team.
The former Blackburn star slots into an entirely new backline, which also includes Craig Dawson, Diego Lugano and Goran Popov in front of Luke Daniels in goal.
Graham Dorrans and Saido Berahino are also handed starts.
Arsene Wenger makes nine changes to the Gunners team that beat Stoke 3-1 in the top flight at the weekend.
Mikel Arteta makes his first start since his return from injury, and will play in front of an experienced defence.
ALBION: L Daniels, Reid (c), Dawson, Lugano, Popov, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Sessegnon, Sinclair, Berahino, Long. Subs: Camp (gk), McAuley, J Olsson, Rosenberg, Amalfitano, Morrison, Jones.
ARSENAL: Fabianski, Mertesacker, Vermaelen (c), Arteta, Monreal, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Eisfeld, Gnabry, Hayden, Ryo. Subs: Viviano (gk), Flamini, Park, Akpon, Bellerin, K Olsson, Iwobi.
REFEREE: R Madley (West Yorkshire).