Arsenal have a decent record against West Brom at home and will not expect another stumble on Boxing Day. The Gunners stay favourite to win the tie and start their ascent to the top. Tony Pulis, however, has often been successful in frustrating big teams and given Arsenal’s recent form, he could just about do that.
Team News
Arsenal
The Gunners got huge injury boosts as Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey have returned back to training. Although Welbeck isn’t likely to start a match before January as Wenger stated, Ramsey just might be involved in the game against West Brom.
Apart from that, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Shkodran Mustafi continue to miss with injuries. Although Wenger has confirmed that Chamberlain is out for days and not weeks, we expect both Mustafi and the England winger to return early January. Long-term absentees are Mertesacker, Cazorla and Debuchy, who are expected to come around January end.
West Brom
Apart from the big miss of Jonny Evans at the back, Tony Pulis won’t be having any major difficulties in squad selection. Jonas Olsson is expected to continue taking the centre back role as Evans recover from a calf injury. Evans might return next match. Apart from Evans, West Brom will miss James Morrison, who is down with the flu and a recovery date is not yet decided.
Predicted Line-up
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)- Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Gibbs; Xhaka, Coquelin; Ozil, Walcott, Iwobi; Sanchez
West Bromwich Albion (4-2-3-1)- Forster; Nyom, Olsson, McAuley, Dawson; Fletcher, Jacob; Brunt, Chadli, Phillips; Rondon
Key Players
Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez will be having the main job of bagging the goal early on and right at the end to kill off the game. He didn’t get any service against City in the second half and will expect his team to do better this time. Mesut Ozil has earned the reputation of playing well against smaller teams and going by that he should dazzle this game.
West Brom
Salomon Rondon will be the main threat for Arsenal’s box. He has been terrific in the air and he will give Koscielny a horrible time at the back. Nacer Chadli looked quite ineffective against Manchester United and his floating role just behind Rondon didn’t seem threatening at all. However, Arsenal’s defence is not as strong and organised as United’s and he could be influential in getting a good result.
Odds
Arsenal @ 1.33
Draw @ 5.25
West Bromwich Albion @ 9.00
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