Arsenal will look to maintain their perfect home record when they host Swansea City in Saturday’s Premier League clash. The Gunners thumped Everton by a 5-2 scoreline in the previous week, and this has propelled them to fifth in the Premier League standings, just behind Chelsea on goal difference. Arsene Wenger’s side also had a midweek League Cup game against Norwich City to contend which they won by a 2-1 scoreline. Meanwhile, Paul Clement’s side did not have a similar week with defeats to Leicester City and Manchester United in the Premier League and League Cup respectively. The Welsh outfit are currently positioned 15th on the table with eight points – the same as four other clubs including 18th-placed Everton.
Previous meeting:
The previous outing between the sides was at the Liberty Stadium where Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 triumph. Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, and two own goals from the Swans sealed the Gunners victory.
Players to watch for:
Mesut Ozil – Arsenal: The Germany international has received his fair share of criticism due to his failure to show up in the big away games. However, the attacker found the perfect way to silence his doubters last weekend where he provided a goal and assist in the 5-2 thrashing of Everton. Ozil on his day is undoubtedly the best playmaker to watch in the Premier League, and the Swans could see an exhibition of his skills, should they fail to contain his movement in the early minutes of the game.
Tammy Abraham – Swansea City: Abraham has been one of the few shining lights for Swansea in their slow start to the campaign. The Chelsea loanee has contributed four of the Swans’ six goals this term, and the youngster has pretty much filled the void left by Fernando Llorente. Given the London rivalry between the Blues and the Gunners, Abraham will be up for a challenge versus the Gunners backline, although he could be left on his own for vast parts of the match.
Prediction:
Swansea have conceded just one goal in the last four away trips, but they are likely to have a stiffer test on their hands at the Emirates. Both Alexis Sanchez and Ozil look back to their best form, and this only spells goals for the Gunners.
Arsenal 3-0 Swansea City
Image – BPI
