ARSENAL v WEST BROMICH ALBION
CARLING CUP THIRD ROUND
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND, THE EMIRATES, 7.45PM
The biggest problem with having a bet in the League Cup, especially when one of the top four sides in the Premier League are concerned, is the strength of the side picked to take the field.
Arsenal are fighting on three fronts at the moment, the Champions League, the Premier League, and now their debut in this year’s League Cup. This competition is notorious for being a manager’s playground where he can chose his fringe players and reserves to see how they fare against a team trying for their lives.
With the injury problems at the Emirates, this home game against West Brom is an ideal chance for those fringe players to stake a proper claim for regular first team inclusion. Wenger knows this and will use his players’ enthusiasm to his advantage.
However, West Brom are riding high in the Championship. They absolutely thumped Middlesboro on Saturday at the Riverside and they will be relishing a trip to the Emirates to put one over on the Gunners. If the Baggies are ever going to get one over Arsenal, this is their chance. A form team, top of the Championship, unbeaten away from home in four games, against a team who will be deliberately under-strength.
So where does the betting value lie in this game? It is advisable to wait until as close to kick-off as possible in this game to see what team Wenger selects.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Arsenal tend to dominate their games with West Brom. Out of the two sides’ meetings in recent years, Arsenal have won eight of their 10 clashes, there’s been one draw, and West Brom have won once. Four of these games have been at Highbury/Emirates resulting in three wins for Arsenal. Arsenal have no problem finding the back of the net against the Baggies at home, scoring 10 goals in their four matches.
VERDICT
Tough game to predict without knowing what team Wenger will send out. It all hinges on how strong Arsenal are. However, West Brom come into this game full of confidence and playing great football. They will be on a high after their result on Saturday and are sure to throw everything they have at the Gunners. If Wenger chooses a young,inexperienced side, expect them to start this game at 100mph. Whether West Brom have the class and experience to hold out remains to be seen, but they may get to half-time at levels, making the second half very interesting.
Arsenal, in front of their own fans, should have the talent to put West Brom away, but not without a fight from the Championship leaders.
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