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Arsenal v Swansea Tips
Bob Bradley’s first game as Swansea boss is a tough trip away to in-form Arsenal, who have won their last eight games across all competitions.
Arsenal vs Swansea: Recent form
The two’s form guide can hardly contrast more – Arsenal have won eight matches in all competitions on the bounce while since the opening day Swansea have lost six of their last seven games, winning none.
Swansea’s wretched spell of form saw boss Francisco Guidolin dismissed as the owners stayed true to their word in stating that the Italian would be sacked if his side lost to Liverpool. Some unforgivable finishing and the giving away of a penalty saw the Swans crash to another defeat and two days later Bradley was appointed – the first ever American to coach in the league.
Football tips: Head-to-head
Despite the recent form, Swansea’s record against Arsenal is surprisingly excellent – they have won three of their last four meetings, both of the last meetings in North London and three of their last five visits to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Swansea: Betting tips
Over 3.5 goals 11/10 – this is very tempting as games between these two are typically high-scoring with three goals or more in five of the last six clashes. Arsenal are in good goalscoring form and will be playing to attack while Swansea’s main threat is on the counter-attack and these away games whereby they are clear underdog often plays into their hands.
Draw 9/2 – If you go on the form guide this may seem unlikely but Swansea’s record against Arsenal is really excellent and many players involved in the recent meetings between the two are still involved at the clubs. There is definitely a blueprint at Swansea that despite changes in coaching and management remains through it all. The week before the international break saw Arsenal scrap a hugely fortunate win at Burnley, while Swansea missed three clear-cut chances against Liverpool. Such narrow margins mean that either side can win or lose form quickly.
Predictions: Team news
Arsenal have no new injury concerns following on from their win at Burnley, with Olivier Giroud once again likely to miss out with Alexis Sances, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi all involved.
Fernando Llorente is likely to be available again for Swansea having missed their match with Liverpool, with Borja Baston’s place under threat after he missed two great opportunities. A new coach may mean a change in tactics or personnel, but there are no fresh injury worries.