West Brom Vs Arsenal Preview

May 12, 2012
By: Deke Hardman

Sunday’s match at the Hawthorns sees West Bromwich Albion host third placed Arsenal in Roy Hodgson’s final game before taking charge of the English national team.

The Baggies are unbeaten in four matches, and will guarantee their highest finish in over thirty years should they get all three points here.

During that run they have kept three clean sheets. They are 7.0 (6/1) with Bet 365 to do so here, though this is undoubtedly their toughest test.

Albion look to be without top striker Peter Odemwinge, who has not yet fully recovered from a leg injury, whilst Jerome Thomas is also doubtful. Captain Chris Brunt will miss the game after having his tonsils removed.

The hosts are 5.0 (4/1) outsiders with Ladbrokes for the win, with the draw 4.2 (16/5) with Paddy Power. The visitors are best priced with Bet Victor at 1.7 (8/11).

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Arsenal, and their fate is entirely within their own hands. A win would guarantee third place, while anything less would leave the door open for Tottenham and Newcastle chasing them.

However, any slip ups from those teams in fourth and fifth place would ensure Champions League qualification under Arsene Wenger for a fifteenth straight year.

The Gunners, who are without a win in four, will be without full back Bacary Sagna, who has undergone an operation after breaking his leg against Norwich.

Captain Robin Van Persie will be keen to round of an excellent season on a personal level by adding to his thirty league goals. The Dutch international, who is almost certain to claim the Premier League Golden Boot, is 4.0 (3/1) with William Hill to open the scoring.

Alternatively, if you fancy West Brom to daw first blood, you might be tempted to take advantage of the generous offer of 9.5 (17/2) from Bet 365, for Shane Long to net get the first goal.

Of all the teams in the top half of the table, only Newcastle (31) have conceded more on their travels than Arsenal (30). With this in mind, you may want to back West Brom to score 2 or more goals, which is 3.25 (9/4) with Stan James.

The reverse fixture at the Emirates back in November saw Arsenal run out 3-0 winners, and a repeat of that scoreline is 13.0 (12/1) with Bet 365.

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