Arsenal legend Paul Merson has described his former side's upcoming trip to West Bromwich Albion as a potential banana skin.

Merson thinks that the Gunners will find it difficult to contain Tony Pulis' side at their home at The Hawthorns and believes a 2-2 draw is on the cards for Arsene Wenger's side.

He writes in his Sky Sports column: "West Brom are always difficult to beat at home. I know Palace beat them the other week at home and they have had a couple of bad results, but it will be a hard game for Arsenal.

"Arsenal will have to defend very well at set plays and I think this could be a bit of a banana skin for Arsenal and I am going to go 2-2, which will be a nightmare result for their top-four hopes.

"You always think Arsenal are going to be vulnerable from set plays, they are not the biggest team in the world, so Arsene Wenger will probably have to play Olivier Giroud in this game, even if he does not want to.

"So, you are sort of changing your team for the other team and I would be surprised if Giroud does not play in this game, in fact I would be shocked if I am being honest.

"It is a good time to play West Brom, but at the same time, they are safe and will want to put on a show for their fans, there is no doubt about that. They had a go against Palace, and Palace caught them on the counter with their last one, but it was not one of those games where they got absolutely battered.

"They are at home, playing Arsenal, and this is what the fans turn up for week in, week out. And Tony Pulis will make sure they are not going to lie down for anybody."