On Saturday the 2nd of January we have a big Premier League game to enjoy between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns.
The hosts begin the game sitting in 19th place in the Premier League on 8 points while the visitors are in 13th place on 20 points.
Saka 🤝 Laca✅ #BHAARS pic.twitter.com/EL2iLFUwck— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 29, 2020
Saka 🤝 Laca✅ #BHAARS pic.twitter.com/EL2iLFUwck
West Bromwich Albion come into the match having suffered a heavy 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Leeds United. It was an extremely disappointing result and performance from The Baggies, especially as they came into this fixture having picked up a point in a 1-1 draw at defending champions, Liverpool.
West Bromwich Albion never got going in the match and found themselves 4-0 down at the interval. Their defending improved in the second half but it did not prevent Leeds United from adding to their total and it was an evening to forget for Sam Allardyce and his players.
That defeat means West Bromwich Albion have failed to win any of their last 6 Premier League matches. Their recent home form shows 3 straight defeats and they have had problems defending.
Trends show West Bromwich Albion have conceded a total of 13 goals in their last 3 home Premier League games, at an average of 4.33 goals per game.
In addition, West Bromwich Albion have failed to score a goal in 4 of their last 6 home Premier League fixtures. They have scored only 2 goals in those 6 games, with the goals coming against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.
Arsenal come into the match having picked up maximum points in a 1-0 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday. It was a close game and although the home team looked comfortable in possession it was The Gunners who made the breakthrough in the second half to seal the win. It was another important step in the right direction for Arsenal who have now won their last 2 Premier League games.
The previous victory was an excellent performance at home against Chelsea and Arsenal won the match 3-1. The win over Chelsea was a huge result for Arsenal as they had failed to win any of their 7 Premier League matches prior to that result.
Away form shows Arsenal have won only one of their last 4 away Premier League games. However, they have managed to keep 3 clean sheets in their 5 most recent away league matches.
Team news and West Bromwich Albion continue without the injured Kieran Gibbs, Kyle Bartley, Hal Robson-Kanu, and Conor Townsend. Jake Livermore is suspended for the hosts.
Arsenal travel with a few injury and illness concerns. Gabriel, David Luiz, Willian, Reiss Nelson, and Thomas Partey are not expected to play any part in the game.
This is a huge game for both teams who are aiming to move upwards in the table. Arsenal have to begin the match as favourites considering their recent upturn in results, while West Bromwich Albion have been struggling at home.
We expect to see Arsenal keep a clean sheet and score 2 or more goals on their way to victory.