Arsenal will be aiming to maintain their momentum in the Premier League when they travel to face Bournemouth on Saturday. Despite a solid start, Bournemouth has struggled to keep pace and will face an uphill battle against one of the division’s top sides.
Bournemouth’s Form
Bournemouth has experienced a mixed start to the 2024/25 campaign. A narrow loss to Leicester City in their last match highlighted their inconsistency, though they did secure a 3-1 victory over Southampton prior to that. Their results against tougher opponents have varied — they earned a draw against Newcastle and suffered a narrow defeat to Chelsea but were soundly beaten by Liverpool. Manager Andoni Iraola will be hoping his side can avoid a repeat of the heavy 4-0 defeat they suffered against Arsenal the last time the two teams met at the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal’s Outlook
Arsenal, on the other hand, are firmly in the title race, just a point behind leaders Liverpool and second-placed Manchester City on goal difference. Mikel Arteta’s side recorded a comfortable 3-1 win over Southampton before the international break, with standout performances from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka. Despite their strong start, Arsenal has shown some defensive frailties, conceding goals against relegation-threatened teams like Leicester and Southampton, a fact that will not sit well with Arteta.
A trip to Bournemouth offers Arsenal the chance to continue their fine form, having been dominant at the Vitality Stadium in recent years.
Bournemouth vs Arsenal Team News & Tactics
Bournemouth
Bournemouth is largely injury-free, with only Tyler Adams a potential absentee. Iraola could make tactical changes, including replacing Justin Kluivert, who was substituted at halftime in their last match. Dango Ouattara might start on the left wing, while Milos Kerkez, a player reportedly on Arsenal’s radar, will hope to impress from left-back. Bournemouth’s central midfield pairing of Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook will face a tough task against Arsenal’s dynamic midfield led by Declan Rice.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kepa; Smith, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson.
Arsenal
Arsenal will be monitoring the fitness of several key players, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Thomas Partey. Arteta may rotate his squad, especially with important fixtures ahead. Jurrien Timber and Ben White remain doubts, with Timber the likelier to feature. In midfield, Mikel Merino could make his first start for the Gunners, replacing either Havertz or Partey. Should Saka or Martinelli miss out, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus could be deployed.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Saka, Partey, Rice, Martinelli; Havertz, Trossard.
Key Stats
- Bournemouth has lost their last four Premier League matches against Arsenal.
- The Cherries have conceded at least three goals in three of those encounters.
- Arsenal has scored at least two goals in 20 of their last 25 Premier League matches.
- The Gunners have won 11 of their last 13 Premier League matches.
- Raheem Sterling is the leading Premier League goalscorer against Bournemouth, with ten goals.
Player to Watch: Declan Rice
Declan Rice has yet to hit the heights expected of him this season, but he remains a crucial part of Arsenal’s midfield. As Arteta looks to maintain Arsenal’s momentum, Rice will need to step up and deliver strong performances, especially with key games on the horizon.
Conclusion
Arsenal will come into this fixture as heavy favorites, having been consistent throughout the season. Bournemouth, while showing some resilience against top sides, will need to be at their best to get anything out of this contest. Arteta’s side is expected to push hard for a comprehensive win as they look to stay in the thick of the title race.
Prediction
Bournemouth 1-3 Arsenal
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