Arsenal vs West Brom: Preview & Prediction

Arsenal can recapture third sport in the Premier League, and put distance between themselves and Manchester United in fifth-place in the race for a top-four finish, with victory over West Brom at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

The Gunners; who were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, which allowed Manchester City to leapfrog them in the top-flight standings, have now won only four of their last 13 league outings.

Meanwhile the Baggies, who currently sit 14th in the table after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to FA Cup semi-finalists Watford, are looking complete a first league double over Arsenal since the 1961-62 campaign.

James Morrison and an own goal from Mikel Arteta gifted Tony Pulis’ side all three points (2-1) in the reverse fixture back in November, which ended a nine-game winless run against Arsene Wenger’s men.

However West Brom have lost all but one of their nine Premier League trips to the Emirates, with their 3-2 win back in 2010 being the only exception.

The hosts will be hoping forward Alexis Sanchez can continue his rich vein of form in front of goal, with the Chile international netting four times in his last five Premier League outings.

Arsenal are also on the verge of their 500th Premier League win – only Manchester United (583) have won more fixtures.

On the other hand; if the Baggies are to spoil those landmark celebrations, you could fancy West Brom to pull off a slender 1-0 victory considering Pulis’ team’s 10 Premier League wins this seasons have all been by a one-goal margin, including seven 1-0 triumphs.

Under the former Crystal Palace and Stoke City boss, West Brom have scored just 50 goals in 51 games in the Premier League under his reign – although the Welshman looks to have preserved the club’s top-flight status for another year after already reaching the encouraging 40-point mark.

One of the visitors’ main goal threat will come from Saido Berahino, who has managed to score just four goals in 28 league appearances this season. Strike partner and summer signing Jose Salomon Rondon (8) is the club’s leading goalscorer in all competitions this term, compared to the Englishman’s seven.

Team News:

Arsenal boss Wenger could make numerous changes following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Defender Per Mertesacker, midfielder Aaron Ramsey, plus forwards Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are all pushing for recalls at the Emirates Stadium.

However Jack Wilshere is still not fully fit, despite playing for the Gunners’ under-21 side recently.

Meanwhile Baggies manager Pulis has no fresh injury worries to threat over.

Striker Saido Berahino is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven, despite missing two penalties against Watford at the weekend.

Winger Alex Pritchard (Hip) is a doubt, while James Morrison remains out with a hamstring problem.

League Positions: Arsenal – 4th (60 pts); West Brom– 14th (40 pts)
Form: Arsenal – LLWWDD; West Brom – DWLDLL
Previous Meeting: West Brom 2-1 Arsenal – November 21, 2015; Premier League
Key Players: Arsenal – Alexis Sanchez; West Brom – Craig Dawson
Shoot Says: Arsenal 2-0 West Brom