da gbg bet： An exciting clash lays in store on Boxing Day as Tony Pulis takes his West Brom side to north London to face Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.
da marjack bet： Excitement, West Brom and Tony Pulis aren’t phrases that usually go hand-in-hand, but the Baggies are enjoying a fantastic campaign, nipping at the heels of the European contenders as they lay in eighth place.
Furthermore, Pulis’ record against Arsenal, considering his teams have always been inherently weaker, isn’t half bad, claiming four wins and two draws from 16 meetings.
So following disappointing defeats against Everton and Manchester City, losing both 2-1 after taking the lead, the Gunners could find themselves up against it on Monday – even with home advantage on their side.
Therefore, it’s imperative Wenger picks the right starting XI to avoid a third consecutive Premier League defeat that would probably end any chance of his side claiming this season’s title.
Football FanCast think we have the answer…
GK: Petr Cech
Having gone nearly twelve games without a clean sheet, Monday is the time for Cech to ensure his Christmas wish is granted.
West Brom have been scoring a lot of goals recently, with star striker Salomon Rondon enjoying a rich vein of form, so the Arsenal goalkeeper will have to be on his toes.
RB: Hector Bellerin
Hector Bellerin has struggled to recapture his previously devastating form since returning from injury, but with a lack of viable alternatives, Wenger must stick with the youngster for Boxing Day.
Against West Brom, Bellerin faces in-form winger Matt Phillips and containing the Scottish winger will be no easy task – he’s been arguably the Baggies’ player of the season.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Amid a hamstring injury to Shkodran Mustafi, Koscielny has struggled to cope without the German international by his side.
During the Gunners defeat to City, the defender was awful and made to look foolish by City’s attacking trio.
He’ll need to match Salomon Rondon physically, whilst marshalling the inconsistent Gabriel Paulista.
CB: Gabriel Paulista
Mustafi should return to first-team action next week, so Boxing Day could be the last time Arsene Wenger has to rely on Gabriel.
Solomon Rondon will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing the Brazilian, who must use his physicality to prevent the Venezuelan from scoring.
LB: Kieran Gibbs
Nacho Monreal has hardly covered himself in glory in recent weeks, particularly against Manchester City when he allowed Raheem Sterling to cut inside and shoot.
English left-back Gibbs should be given his opportunity to shine, and his attacking style of play could help stretch a regimented Baggies side.
CM: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss international was signed for games like this, where Arsenal face well-organised, highly-physical sides.
Xhaka’s aggression will help Arsenal win the midfield battle at the Emirates, and as long as he remains on the field, the Gunners have a chance of him scoring from a deep-lying role.
CM: Francis Coquelin
French midfielder Coquelin remains Arsenal’s unsung hero in midfield, although his form so far this season has struggled to match previous campaigns.
Nonetheless, Coquelin will add much-needed protection to the Gunners defence, remaining vital in preventing counter-attacks with his pace and tenacity.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
After last weekend’s shambolic display away to Manchester City, Mesut Ozil must silence the critics who believe he’s a luxury at the tip of midfield.
There’s no denying Ozil’s ability but he has a knack of going missing just when the Gunners need him most. Monday’s game represents a chance to redeem himself, with defeat surely ending Arsenal’s title chances.
RW: Theo Walcott
Eleven goals already this campaign and it doesn’t look like Theo Walcott’s form is going to ease anytime soon.
The England international has scored two goals in his last three games and can provide the necessary pace to stretch the Baggies’ backline and create chances in behind.
LW: Alexis Sanchez
With Arsenal’s cutting edge waning, Wenger must field Sanchez in a wider role against the Baggies to make room for an out-and-out centre-forward.
The Chile international has been Arsenal’s best player this year, but the smile has been whipped from his face in the past fortnight. A goal against the Baggies should surely change that.
ST: Olivier Giroud
It’s almost two months since Olivier Giroud last started a Premier League game. Against West Brom, the Gunners are going to come up against an enormous back four who will attempt to bully them.
Giroud can match the West Brom defence physically and hungry for his opportunity to shine, don’t rule out a goal for the French star.