Arteta’s side Gunning for the Baggies

A chance for much needed silverware

It’s been two very different stories to the start of these two teams’ campaigns. The hosts have got off to a flyer in the Championship, sitting only second behind Fulham due to goal difference. Their 2-1 win against Blackburn at the weekend carried on their hot start to the season. On the other hand, it’s been well storied the woes at Arsenal so far. Two, 2-0 losses to Brentford and Chelsea to kick off the season isn’t exactly what manager Mikel Arteta would’ve panned out, with calls for the Spaniard’s sacking already back in full swing. But this Wednesday at the Hawthorns should be seen as an opportunity to reboot the Gunners season. Especially with a lack of European football, this campaign could be saved by a strong cup run, especially if it were to end up with some silverware.

Arsenal’s slow start = bad news for West Brom?

The Baggies relegation from the Premier League last season came as little surprise to anyone. While they had some surprise wins here and there (namely taking four points from the current European Champions), they couldn’t maintain this form and ultimately paid the price. But with new blood in the hot seat, Valerien Ismael has overseen a strong start to staking their claim to be back in England’s topflight. While the likes of Sheffield United have struggled since their return to the Championship, the Baggies have looked assured and a class above despite losing star man Matheus Pereira. While on the face of it, this is a really great chance for West Brom to claim a Premier League scalp so early into their season and get a good cup run together, I think Arteta will be more determined than ever to get past this potential banana skin. If Arsenal had taken, say a win and a draw, or at least two positive results from their opening two fixtures, then I too would be inclined to go bold and give West Brom the win and catch out the Gunners. But it’s this poor start to their Premier League campaign that I think actually puts the Baggies at a disadvantage. It’s unlikely that Arteta will field a much-weakened team, with a potential debut for Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks, a man eager to impress at his new club. With Arsenal also winning 0-4 at the Hawthorns last season, with really no fight put up from West Brom on that day, I can see the Gunners going through.

No European tour

Of course, both teams are much changed from their previous meeting. The hosts are fighting for promotion and have the wind firmly in their sails. But Arteta will be well aware of this, and he’d be mad to introduce a rotated team here with the Carabao Cup being one of his only routes to a trophy. A lack of European football makes domestic silverware so much more attractive and important, so this tie shouldn’t be taken lightly by the Gunners.

Arteta has a lot to prove this season, and with a rocky start, him and his squad should be eager to get off to winning ways here at the Hawthorns. That’s why I’m going with Arsenal to win with bet365 enhanced price.

Bet Arsenal to win on Bet365