After an impressive midweek victory against Napoli, Arsenal travel to The Hawthorns to face the West Brom team that stunned the world, by defeating David Moyes’ Manchester United side, at Old Trafford, 2-1.
Last week’s match winner, Saido Berahino, is reportedly an Arsenal target, after it was revealed he is only earning £850-a-week. The striker could make his first start for the Albion, with Steve Clarke unavailable to select Victor Anichebe, Shane Long and Nicolas Anelka.
Scott Sinclair is likely to be absent for the hosts, with James Morrison and Chris Brunt likely to fill the wide areas. Going against them will be Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson. Bacary Sagna will miss the game with a slight hamstring tweak. The tweak picked up in the Napoli game will see him out for three weeks.
It isn’t the only Arsenal injury. Abou Diaby, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Yaya Sanogo and Lukas Podolski all face spells on the sidelines, meaning Arsenal will likely have either Tomas Rosicky or the in-form Aaron Ramsey play on the wing, with youngster Serge Gnabry on the other.
Spirits are high with both teams. After starting excellently last season, West Brom look to have done the same this time around. And Arsenal find themselves top of the Premier League, having won 5 games in a row. Mesut Özil’s arrival has sparked a revival in not only form, but a renewed sense of optimism around North London; Arsenal are back.
The trip to the Midlands is never easy. Arsenal found that out in the Capital One Cup. A penalty shootout, with Nacho Monreal as the last kick-taker, was the only thing to seperate the sides in 120 minutes of football. Although it must be noted that both teams were considerably weakened.
Jack Wilshere is fit for the game, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will play. Wilshere was pictured with a cigarette outside of a nightclub last week, and responded by posting a picture of Zinedine Zidane smoking – seemingly as a way to justify himself – before saying he didn’t smoke. It’s one or the other, Jack.
If you are going to have a bet on Sunday’s game, here are our recommended bets.
Saido Berahino to score anytime – 3/1. It’s bound to happen – Berahino was linked to Arsenal in midweek and should make his first start on Sunday. Will he score his first home league goal against the Gunners? BET ON THIS MARKET
Draw – 29/10. Arsenal have been undefeated away from home this season. While this could continue, West Brom are no pushovers. A draw could be the likely outcome. BET ON THIS MARKET
Both Teams To Score – 3/5. The safest bet of the day. Both teams will be gung-ho, and will look like scoring all game. 3/5 is decent odds for what looks like a nailed-on bet. BET ON THIS MARKET
Arsenal to win and both teams to score – 9/4. Arsenal are flying. Can they keep this up? Sure. A win, with both teams to score, in say a 3-1 is very likely. BET ON THIS MARKET
Arsenal to win 3-1 – 14/1. Arsenal’s last away Premier League game finished 2-1. Can they go one better? I don’t see any reason why not. BET ON THIS MARKET
