West Brom vs Arsenal Preview, H2H, Team News and Prediction
The Baggies welcome the Gunners to the Hawthorns on Saturday as Sam Allardyce faces Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, weeks after he threw a jibe at Arsenal, calling them relegation contenders.
Preview:
West Brom are currently 19th and are still five points away from the safe zone. They also possess the worst defensive record in the Premier League but surprisingly, Sam Johnstone, the Baggies keeper has made the second-most saves in the Premier League this season.
It shows how fragile their backline has been. However, the side has what it takes to survive in the Premier League. Their performance against Liverpool was one of the best this season as they managed to stop a Liverpool side from damaging them at Anfield. but a thrashing at home against Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds means 'Big Sam' needs to do a lot more.
West Brom vs Arsenal: Head to Head
West Brom are far from Arsenal's record against them in the head to head battle. The Baggies have managed to win only three out of the 17 played, losing ten.
West Brom vs Arsenal: Recent Form
West Brom would be exasperated after their performance last week but they still have ample time to see the better picture. However, with their most recent game, Allardyce's side has now conceded nine goals in just three games, and that is not why the manager was roped in.
Arsenal have an important set of fixtures ahead. Their recent form would give them a mental boost after they clinched victories in quick succession against Chelsea and Brighton.
Arteta has never been shy about promoting youngsters into the first team, and it seems Emile Smith Rowe has become more or less permanent in the squad in recent weeks.
West Brom vs Arsenal:Team News
Kyle Bartley will be sidelined for the Baggies due to a calf problem, Conor Townsend is unavailable at the moment too. Attacker Hal Robson-Kanu is out too. Jake Livermore who has been crucial for his side will be serving his third of his three-match ban after a horrendous tackle on Jack Grealish.
For Arsenal, Gabriel tested positive for the coronavirus, while Arteta would be hopeful that both the ex-Chelsea men David Luiz and Willian are fit enough to feature in their upcoming game.
Thomas Partey is still out, while Bukayo Saka will be fit and fine despite picking up a knock against the Seagulls last week.
West Brom Probable Playing XI
Arsenal Probable Playing XI
West Brom vs Arsenal: Prediction
After quite a while, it is safe to say that Arsenal are the favorites. They have found their composure back. The team looks confident, and with a progressive manager like Mikel Arteta, good things can be expected.
However, Sam Allardyce needs to really do something. A defeat here could well turn out to be his dismissal despite being in charge of the club for not more than five games.
Sportco predicts Arsenal to win 3-1.
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