Prediction and odds for the game: West Brom (11/4) vs Arsenal (19/20)

We are backing the draw at odds of 11/4

When: Wednesday, 25th August 2021, Kick-off 20:00

Where: The Hawthorns

On Wednesday night, West Brom host Arsenal at the Hawthorns in the second round of the English League Cup.

West Brom

The Baggies have started life back in the Championship in decent form, as they are unbeaten in their four league matches, having recorded three straight victories in the second tier. New head coach Valerien Ismael has certainly got them firing on all cylinders in attack, as they have also scored at least two goals in each of their league encounters this season. The fact that the Baggies have only kept one clean sheet this season will be slightly concerning though.

West Brom don’t have a great recent record in the League Cup, as they have won just one of their last four matches in the competition. Last season they exited the competition in the third round after a penalty defeat against Brentford. In truth, though, the team from the Midlands usually have higher priorities than this competition. This season their main priority is a quick return to the Premier League.

Arsenal

There is already talk of a crisis at Arsenal after a poor pre-season campaign and two straight defeats in the Premier League. Last time out the Gunners suffered a 2-0 home defeat in a London derby against a Romelu Lukaku-inspired Chelsea. The defeat means that not only have Mikel Arteta’s team conceded twice in both games, but they still have not scored.

Arsenal have not been helped by the absence of several key players due to Covid-19. It seems unlikely that the Gunners will welcome many of their first-team regulars back for this game, as head coach Arteta is likely to name a team full of fringe and young players. Similarly, to the home team, the League Cup is not Arsenal priority. A win could lift spirits though.

The club from north London have recently strengthened their squad with the signings of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and midfielder Martin Odegaard. The pair could well feature in this clash.

Arsenal have a poor recent record in the League Cup, as they have won just one of their last four matches in 90 minutes in the competition.

Conclusion

Although this game is not West Brom’s priority, the Baggies will be confident of keeping their good recent run of form going. Arsenal could do without this game with a trip to reigning champions Manchester City this weekend. We think this game will end all square are 90 minutes. The other recommendation we make is to back under 2.5 goals, as it could be a relatively tight encounter.

Our tips: We are backing the draw at odds of 11/4 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 19/20 (All odds are taken from Bet365)

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