Sam Allardyce’s West Brom take on Arsenal in bottom half of the table clash

West Bromwich Albion welcome Arsenal to the Hawthorns in desperate need of a win. However, after recent back-to-back wins, Mikel Arteta will be expecting his side to make it three in a row.

Sam Allardyce has got a tough job on his hands to keep the Baggies up this season, but if anyone was to come in and do the deed, it would be the Englishmen.  

After losing 5-0 last time out at home to Leeds United, it’s clear there is lots of work to be done after the 66-year-old questioned his player’s commitment following the thrashing. 

Players such as Matheus Pereira and Branislav Ivanovic both started on the bench. Two players who have a big part to play this season for the hosts, with Ivanovic providing top experience and Pereira providing the flair and the ability to create chances. 

Gunners fans will be hoping that Bukayo Saka will be fit for the game after coming off injured against Brighton in mid-week. The teenager is a fan favourite amongst the Arsenal faithful and has the firepower to make things happen on the wing. He has played an instrumental part in games that the Gunners have won this season.  

Another player who has been performing well in the last couple of games is Alexandre Lacazette, the Frenchman has found the back of the net in each of his last three games, notably scoring the winner off of the bench away at Brighton last time out.  

If it wasn’t for Sam Johnstone, West Brom would virtually have no points at all, after 16 games the 27-year-old shot-stopper has made over 65 saves. He has saved Albion multiple times, but with a lacklustre defence in front of him, it’s difficult to be happy with performances considering they’re still sitting in the bottom three. 

The former Manchester United goalkeeper has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs after some fine performances this season. The Baggies will hope to keep hold of him as he could play a pivotal part in their hopes of survival. 

On the plus side, the home side are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games against the North London side, recording two wins and one draw. Also impressively performing against the traditional top-six sides this season. They will be hoping to pick up a massive win under the lights come Saturday night. 

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