Arsenal v West Brom: Young Guns to Give the Baggies a Baptism of Fire
The Baggies have not won at Arsenal in 25 years and Premier 10 players should expect that barren run to continue as there are few harder grounds to visit on the opening day of the season. After all, despite losing a number of experienced players in Gilberto, Lehmann, Flamini and Hleb, the Gunners still look extremely strong in pre-season with even more youngsters impressing in the first team, particularly 16-year-old Jack Wilshere.
West Brom have brought in a number of defensive recruits including England international Scott Carson in goal so should be more capable of defending at the top level and they did boast the best scoring record in the country last season so arguably should be well equipped for their Premier League campaign. Unfortunately the departure of last season’s top scorer Kevin Phillips may well prove hard to replace despite his age.
The fact that Arsenal were one of just two Premier League sides to remain unbeaten at home last season (alongside Chelsea) suggests that Tony Mowbray’s side will be in for a tough afternoon. I doubt Premier 10 players will need much advice as surely the Gunners are one of the weekends ‘home bankers’ especially now Emmanuel Adebayor is staying at the Emirates and is on form in pre-season.
If that doesn’t convince you then the fact that Arsenal have not lost an opening day match at home since 1993 should be all the information you need to make your final choice which I would suggest should be a home win.
Pundit’s Pick: Gunners to Grab all 3 Points on Opening Day (HOME WIN)
Read our statistical guide to the New Foreign Signings, ‘Home Bankers’ & ‘Away Specialists’.
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Tags: Arsenal, Premier 10, Premier League, West Brom
