Positive, flowing football looks the order of the day in this one so that I expect Arsenal and West Brom to put on a fascinating show for us to enjoy. Arsenal are still 2nd, with only Chelsea in front, and lets face it, even at this early stage its more than anyone way expecting. Manchester United continue to drop the ball, while City, Spurs and Liverpool continue to prove why they`re not title contenders and will not be for a while. Wenger will not be concerned with that as all he wants is for his team to thump the next opponent and not leave themselves in a position to be screwed over by luck, or an extra minute of stoppage time. You know he takes this game seriously as he preferred to take the 1 match ban at Spurs rather than here. A young Arsenal side thumped Tottenham 4-1 in midweek to give themselves something to smile about, but this is what it really is all about and I feel they will be in their usual ruthless mode for this one. Cesc Fanregas is out, but I`m really not concerned as I truly believe Nasri does a very good job filling in. I remember saying this in last seasons fixture against Porto, where we won 5-0 with Nasri running things. Expect the same here again.
Motivated
West Brom are in 10th at the moment, which is very good for them, although it must be said this is a side that does its best work back in the Hawthornes. Away from home, especially at the Emirates, against a senior Arsenal side out for blood having stupidly given away 2 points against another side they should have beaten, is going to be difficult. I think that West Brom deserve respect for the way they have played so far this season, 2 excellent wins against Sunderland and Birmingham City plus a well deserved draw against Tottenham at home prove that West Brom can handle this level of football and have the capabilities to cause Arsenal problems but their away form this season is not good with 2 defeats, 7 goals conceded and none scored. Di Matteo has his side playing some very good football, and while that is admirable, for a weak side, that is the last thing you should try and do against Arsenal. You tend to get punished. I think he will find it hard to play any other way and that will be to their disadvantage.
Clear outcome
Positive, flowing football looks the order of the day in this one so that I expect Arsenal and West Brom to put on a fascinating show for us to enjoy. Yes I know I am biased, but lets face it, theres no way in hell West Brom can get points here, not given the current situation. Arsenal have just lost 2 easy points and with the trophyless streak they`re on, they`re not about to get caught out here. Arsenal will score early and run away with this.
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Prediction:
Tip: 1 AH (-1.5)
Odd: 1.97
Bookie: SBO
Stake: 8 /10
Tipster: Kather
