West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal, Premier League: What time is kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?
What is it?
Sam Allardyce's West Bromwich Albion host Arsenal in the Premier League.
When is it?
The game is on Saturday, January 2 2021.
What time is kick-off?
The match gets under way at the Hawthorns at 8pm.
What TV channel is it on?
Live coverage is on BT Sport One and BT Sport Ultimate. Alternatively, you can bookmark this page and return to follow all the action with Greg Wilcox on our live blog.
What is the team news?
Like every Premier League game, the fixture going ahead is contingent on the Covid-health of both sets of players and staff.
West Brom manager Allardyce revealed they returned one positive test before their defeat against Leeds United. Midfielder Jake Livermore will serve the last of a three-game suspension following his red card against Aston Villa. Conor Townsend is out through injury but Hal Robson-Kanu and Kyle Bartley could return. Kieran Gibbs felt his thigh in the warm-up before the Leeds loss.
Mikel Arteta has plenty of options in attack with youngsters Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka all impressing. David Luiz and Willian return to full training on Dec 31 after feeling ill but testing negative, but defender Gabriel is still self-isolating following a positive test. Thomas Partey is back in group training after his thigh injury but is not expected to return until further into January.
What have we said about the clubs?
John Percy watched Leeds dismantle West Brom on Tuesday night:
The pragmatists versus the progressives? In truth, this was more like the paupers against the princes.It was supposed to be an intriguing clash of managerial styles between Sam Allardyce and Marcelo Bielsa, yet there was a gargantuan gulf in class as Leeds ripped West Brom to pieces with high-tempo attacking and ruthless, clinical finishing.Just over six months ago West Brom were rivalling Leeds for the Championship title, but this was a chastening night for Allardyce as the memories of their brilliantly disciplined performance at Liverpool were dumped into Bielsa’s bucket.
Sam Dean analysed how Arsenal's young attackers have breathed new life into the team:
Arsenal have been too rigid for too long, with the attacking players appearing to be frightened to leave their positions during matches. That all changed against Chelsea, when the three youngsters constantly rotated, drifting across the pitch in tandem with each other.Smith Rowe, in particular, caused plenty of problems for Chelsea by floating towards the left wing and combining with Martinelli. Saka also came inside from his position out wide and his runs in behind provided the re-energised Lacazette with a passing option.No Arsenal player created more chances than Smith Rowe, who popped up on the right to assist the third goal scored by Saka, from a central position. Saka’s effort certainly appeared to be a cross, even if he later claimed that he meant it.
What are the odds?
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Arsenal 4/7
West Brom 5/1
Draw 3/1
What's our prediction?
Arsenal's confidence is slowly returning but they are likely to face a packed, deep-lying defence at the Hawthorns, the like of which they have struggled to break down under Mikel Arteta. However, the introduction of Smith Rowe and Martinelli gives them greater variety with Saka offering an extra dose of creativity. Arsenal could well line up with one of Lacazette or Aubameyang on the bench, alongside Nicolas Pepe, Eddie Nketiah and Willian. That suggests they have the reserves to win this late if West Brom frustrate them initially.
Verdict: West Brom 0 Arsenal 2
