Prediction: Arsenal vs Swansea City

Verdict: Arsenal win to nil

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Arsenal will look to maintain their good run of form when they host Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal

Even though Arsenal have been typically inconsistent this season, they eventually found their stride in the match against Everton last week and ran out 5-2 winners. It is now 6 wins out of 7 in all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s men and they have climbed to fifth place in the league, albeit still finding themselves nine points behind leaders Manchester City. In their victory against the Toffees, it was the first time Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette had started in the same game and all three of them managed to find the net. Wenger will be hoping their spirited display is perhaps a sign of potential within the squad but he will know they have their work cut out if they are to perform anywhere near the standard that is required to win the league. It seems as if the board are quite happy with not competing for trophies, just as long as Arsenal are making significant profit as a club, and this could have ramifications on their players in terms of performance. It’s inconceivable that a player would want to stay at a club with no ambition and it could be another frustrating season for fans.

Team News

Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers, David Ospina and Danny Welbeck are all out.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere will be hoping he can make it into the first 11.

Swansea City

A 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester City last week means it’s now three losses in four games for Swansea City and they know they’re going to be in for a tough season yet again. Paul Clement’s men have also failed to score in five of their nine Premier League fixtures which could be the result of them lacking any real pace up front. Tammy Abraham is the Swans best attacking threat and they will be hoping he can add to the four times he has netted already if they are to move up the table. The Welsh club are only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference but they will be buoyed by the fact that five of the eight points they have picked up have been away from the Liberty Stadium. Clement will be aiming on keeping the game tight for as long as possible and perhaps winning it by the odd goal, but even a point will be a good result against a team who have won every game at the Emirates Stadium in all competitions.

Team News

Wilfried Bony could return to the starting 11 after three games out with a thigh problem. Renato Sanchez is back to full fitness and should also feature.

Meanwhile, Kyle Bartley remains out with a knee injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Arsenal have won six of their last seven games
• Swansea have lost three times in their last four matches
• The Swans have also failed to score in five of their nine Premier League games this season
• Paul Clement’s men have gained more points away from home than at the Liberty Stadium this season. They have secured five of their eight points on the road.
• The Gunners have won every game in all competitions at the Emirates Stadium this season

Conclusion

With Arsenal having such an incredible record at the Emirates this season, it’s hard to see past a home win. Swansea aren’t in the best of form and they are struggling for goals so it should be quite easy for Wenger’s men.

Verdict: Arsenal win to nil

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Bet 365