Arsenal v West Brom
Monday September 25, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports Main Event

Gunners keen to extend impressive Emirates run

Arsenal probably surprised a few people by grinding out a goalless draw at champions Chelsea, showing determination they've often justifiably been accused of lacking. The addition of hard-edged characters like Granit Xhaka and Sead Kolasinac in recent seasons has done no harm - Arsenal will only truly be able to challenge for the Premier League title if they can successfully marry silk with steel, just as they did in the early days of Arsene Wenger's reign.

Back-to-back clean sheets in the league have signalled a recovery of sorts since the 4-0 drubbing at Liverpool, but to truly convince a divided fanbase, results must be garnered consistently. With the Manchester clubs setting the pace at the top of the table, the Gunners don't have much margin for error, and they are trading at a massive 48.00 to win the title. They are also behind Liverpool and Spurs in the Top 4 Finish market, trading at 3.00 to secure a return to the Champions League.

Arsenal have won both of their Premier League home games so far this term, and stretching back into last season, they have secured seven league wins in a row at the Emirates. If you go back even further, you can see that Wenger's side have won 19 of their last 25 Premier League home matches, which is a pretty impressive record.

Mesut Ozil is back in contention after a knee injury, and it will be fascinating to see what role Alexis Sanchez plays after featuring in the midweek win over Doncaster in the League Cup. Danny Welbeck is out with a groin injury.

Gritty Albion aiming to celebrate Pulis' century

Tony Pulis will become the first ever West Brom manager to rack up 100 Premier League games in charge of the Baggies on Monday night, and it's hard to criticise the body of work he has produced since taking the helm. Albion finished an impressive tenth last term, well clear of the dropzone, and the campaign before that they ended up 14th, six points above the bottom three.

Albion have truly established themselves as a Premier League club, and Pulis has put together a cast of hardy, reliable characters. One of those is Gareth Barry, who is set to break Ryan Giggs' record for Premier League appearances. Barry will take the field in the competition for the 633rd game, and the 36-year-old has had a remarkable career. Although he has reinvented himself as a tough defensive midfielder in the last few years, he had a spell with Aston Villa where he operated as a superb playmaker. He deserves huge credit for showing flexibility and maintaining his desire to compete at the top level. 

WBA pushed Manchester City hard in the League Cup in midweek, and are now aiming to end their woeful run at the Emirates. Although they have often upset Arsenal at The Hawthorns, Opta tell us that Albion have lost their last six league games away to Arsene Wenger's side, scoring just once and conceding 13 times. Overall, Albion have won just five of their last 35 PL away games.

Midfielder Jake Livermore is expected to return after being given a break, while there will be late fitness tests for Chris Brunt and Oliver Burke.

Baggies can slow Arsenal, but won't stop them

I suspect Arsenal will find a way to extend their winning streak on home soil, but WBA have only lost once in the league this season, and they may make the hosts work hard for their win.

Backing Arsenal to win outright at 1.37 is of little interest, so I'd look at other markets here. I think it'll take time for Arsenal to play their way through a defence that has only conceded four goals in five Premier League games, with just one of those goals leaked before half time.

Arsenal are trading at 1.82 to lead at the break, and that's a price we can take on. Alternatively, you could back Draw/Arsenal in the HT/FT market at 4.50.

Goals could be in short supply if visitors dig in

I must admit I'm surprised to see Under 2.5 Goals trading at 2.30 here. Arsenal have kept three clean sheets in four games in all competitions, and Albion are unlikely to carry much of a goal threat, with containment high on Pulis' agenda. 

The last two editions of this fixture have featured fewer than three goals, and I think this one could go the same way.

Recommended Bets
Back Under 2.5 Goals at 2.30
Lay Arsenal in the Half Time market at 1.89


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