Gunners to appeal Vermaelen suspension

Arsenal are set to challenge defender Thomas Vermaelen's straight red card during their 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday. The Belgian was given his marching orders by referee Martin Atkinson for a foul on Guillermo Franco who was through on goal. The 24-year-old is now suspended for Saturday's trip to Birmingham as the Gunners continue their challenge for championship honours. The Gunners are already missing Vermaelen’s regular central defensive partner William Gallas, who has a calf injury. Sol Campbell has been deputising for the Frenchman. Mikael Silvestre is on standby to step in for Vermaelen if his ban is upheld. Vermaelen has been a key figure for the Gunners this season, scoring seven league goals since arriving at the Emirates from Ajax in the summer for £10m.