Here's all you need to know about the clash between West Brom and Arsenal!
When is it?
Sunday 31st December, with kick-off at 4.30pm at The Hawthorns.
Which channel can I watch it on?
Sky Sports PL and Main Event.
West Brom
Have now not won since August, and gone 18 games without a win in that run, but they did have the best chances in a 0-0 draw with an improving Everton over Christmas. Salmon Rondon should have had a hat-trick alone and Gareth Barry really hit his straps for the first time in central midfield – something that must happen through the rest of the winter if they are to have any hope of staying up.
Their template for Sunday will be a similar performance to the same one that saw them take a point from Anfield a couple of weeks ago, and also one from Wembley in November
Arsenal
Were deserved winners against Crystal Palace on Thursday, although an inability to make the most of their first half dominance - especially down the flanks - was a worry until their sensational second goal. Alexis Sanchez scored twice again but one of the highlights of Christmas has been the return to full form of Jack Wilshere, who was impressive against Palace and produced a fine pass for the second goal.
There will be worries about their defence – Crystal Palace’s James Tompkins managed to score late against a Zonal Marking system, and three at the back still doesn’t quite work for them
Team News
West Brom
Salmon Rondon could well miss this fixture having suffered a hamstring issue against Everton last week. If he doesn’t make it then Hal Robson-Kanu could take his place.
Arsenal
Granit Xhaka is perhaps the one doubt, having had a knock in the latter stages of the game against Palace. He scored a belter against Liverpool and has been working well with Jack Wilshire, so one imagines he will start if fit; Bar that, changes look unlikely here despite the short turnaround through the games.
Head To Heads:
Not great for Arsenal here. They have only one win on their last five visits to the venue and their last defeat there was a 3-1 loss which saw two planes fly overhead – one saying that Arsene Wenger should leave, and the other arguing that he deserved more respect. Craig Dawson scored twice from, yes, you guessed it – corners – that day.
Predicted First XI’s
West Brom
Foster; Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Phillips, Livermore, Barry, Brunt; Robson-Kanu, Rodriguez
Arsenal
Cech; Chambers, Mustafi, Koscielny; Bellerin, Xhaka, Wilshere, Kolasinac; Ozil, Sanchez; Lacazette
