The West Bromwich Albion left-back will have to be switched on defensively.
Having joined the club as a youngster before going on to make over 200 senior appearances, Kieran Gibbs is more familiar than most with Arsenal’s style of play.
On Sunday Gibbs is likely to come up against the Gunners for just the second time in a competitive fixture when West Bromwich Albion host Arsenal.
With Arsenal, as usual, expected to dominate possession, Gibbs could face a difficult afternoon at The Hawthorns as he and his West Brom team-mates attempt to limit the Gunners’ attacking threat.
One player that Gibbs will have to be especially wary of is Hector Bellerin, with the Spaniard frequently using his pace to get into dangerous attacking areas whether he is deployed as a right-back or a right wing-back.
Bellerin’s form has been disappointing this season as he has been prone to lapses in concentration and his crosses have often lacked conviction, but he is capable of thriving against West Brom, especially as he is all too aware of Gibbs’ flaws.
While he is an impressive defender, Gibbs is often caught pushing too far forwards, and if he does that against Arsenal then Bellerin can certainly exploit the space that he leaves.
West Brom, given that they are languishing in 19th place in the Premier League table, are in desperate need of points and have to be completely switched on against Arsenal, with Gibbs in particular facing a difficult task.
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