Gareth Barry captains West Brom for record-breaking appearance

The veteran midfielder will break Ryan Giggs's record when he takes to field at 8pm for his 633rd appearance in the competition.

And Baggies boss Tony Pulis has chosen to mark the occasion by making him captain, even though club captain Jonny Evans and vice-captain Jake Livermore are in the starting line-up.

This is Barry's 20th season in the Premier League and the former Aston Villa man was praised by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in his programme notes.

"I'm told that Gareth Barry could become the Premier League's record appearance maker this evening," wrote Wenger. "It's an incredible achievement but he is a marvellous player.

"Personally, I think he's been underrated because he is always focused, determined, strong in the challenge, has good vision, a top-quality left foot and is also a very good defender.

"He's a very intelligent player on the pitch and him breaking Ryan Giggs's record is an absolutely remarkable acheivement because it shows that this guy has dedicated his life to the game.

"It's a shame he didn't get more England caps, but he was playing at a time when it was hard to get in the team ahead of players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham."

Pulis appears to be playing a back five at the Emirates Stadium after trialling the system against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Livermore, who was rested for two games, has been brought back into the starting line-up.

Albion's team: Foster, Nyom, Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs, Livermore, Barry (c), Krychowiak, Rodriguez, Robson-Kanu. Subs: Myhill, Yacob, Brunt, Morrison, Phillips, McClean, Rondon.

Arsenal's team: Cech, Koscielny (c), Mustafi, Monreal, Bellerin, Elneny, Xhaka, Kolasinac, Ramsey, Lacazette, Sanchez. Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Wilshere, Ozil, Walcott, Maitland-Niles, Giroud.