Arsenal vs. West Bromwich Albion: 3 Key Battles
Arsenal don’t have much to play for in the last game of the season, but they have an FA Cup final to look forward to against Aston Villa. The Gunners would be looking to give a run out to a few players outside the regular line-up and avoid any injuries as they try to retain the trophy. They will be looking to give a good showing in their final game of the season in front of a home crowd though and that could be ominous for West Bromwich Albion.
Albion have been in a good run of late, thanks to Tony Pulis, the club has staved off relegation and is looking to build under the manager. The Broms are unbeaten in their last 5 games and will be looking to give Arsenal a run for their money; they have already beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford and look a handy outfit under Pulis. We look at the three key battles that could decide the fate of the match.
Coquelin vs. Yacob
Francis Coquelin has been one of the bright young spots in the Premier League and has almost made his place in the starting line-up for the Gunners a surety. He will be up against another tough tackler and midfield general in Claudio Yacob, who will also be looking to control the midfield for his team. Whatever the outcome this battle will be one to keep an eye out for and could lead to a few tough challenges on the players.
Bellerin vs. Brunt
Hector Bellerin has been the other youngster to come out with flying colours this season for the Gunners; the youngster will be looking to close out the season with another great display against West Brom and could be pitted against Chris Brunt, who might not have had the greatest season but he is a handful and will be looking to finish the season on a high with a good performance against Arsenal.
Mertesacker vs. Berahino
A tough battle for Berahino who has been sounded out by manager Tony Pulis to sign a new contract and star at the club rather than move to a big club and stagnate his growth. Berahino will be up against one of the smartest and most experienced defenders in the league and to prove that he can take on the best, he will have to try and outsmart Per Mertesacker. Per might not be the fastest defender in the world and that is something that Berahino might have to exploit to get any sort of joy in the game, if he can deal with Per that will give us another barometer to check how good Bera can really be.