At the back end of the 2015/16 campaign, Arsenal predictably clicked into top gear to deny North London rivals Spurs a second-place finish in the Premier League. As part of their 10-match unbeaten run to end the season, the Gunners drew 0-0 at Sunderland.
The game also marked the second of a six-match unbeaten run for Sam Allardyce’s side, as ‘Big Sam’ fashioned another Great Escape on Wearside. However, it’s all change for the Black Cats this season, and you wouldn’t predict that anywhere near 15.15% of Spiffx punters will be backing the home win this time around.
David Moyes’ Sunderland will equal the worst points return after 10 matches in Premier League history if they lose at home to Arsenal on Saturday. Meanwhile, Arsenal are unbeaten in eight matches, and will be fired up after a disappointing display against Middlesbrough at the Emirates last time out.
For the first time in his managerial career, Pep Guardiola has now gone six matches without a win. When you combine that with EFL Cup elimination against Manchester United and the prospect of facing Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Spaniard is under a bit of pressure.
On the opening day of last season, City made the trip to Hawthorns off the back of a disappointing 2014/15 campaign, and brushed aside the Baggies with a dominant display. However, on Saturday they will be without the driving force from that game, as Yaya Toure continues to be exiled for comments made by his agent Dimitri Seluk. Toure recorded a goal and a 96% pass completion, on the day that Raheem Sterling made his City debut.
This time, home manager Tony Pulis will again set up to contain the superior City side, and so a repeat of West Brom’s 31% possession would come as no surprise. The Baggies may have managed at least a single goal in their last five matches, but a similarly high percentage of Spiffx punters (74.63) will be backing the table toppers to get back to winning ways. For those wanting a reason to back the Baggies – record signing Nacer Chadli has three goals and two assists in just two matches at the Hawthorns.
This is the info for this week:
Sunderland v Arsenal – 24th April 2016
Result: 0-0
- Sunderland – 15.15%
- Draw – 24.24%
- Arsenal – 60.61%
West Brom v Man City – 10th August 2015
Result: 0-3
- West Brom – 19.40%
- Draw – 5.97%
- Man City – 74.63%
Source: SBC News
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