Arsenal will look to keep up with the top guns in the Premier League when they travel to take on Bournemouth on Saturday.
It is too early in the season to judge mid-table sides like Bournemouth, who have consistently slipped down the ranks despite a decent start to the campaign as they get set to take on Arsenal this weekend. A manager like Andoni Iraola showed last season that he can revive and thrive on a sinking ship, and he will not be hoping for a repeat of that.
A narrow loss to Leicester City summed up the Cherries’ inconsistent form this season, although before that, they secured a solid 3-1 win against Southampton. Meeting one of the best teams in the divisions in Arsenal will not be an easy task by any margin, although Bournemouth have fared well when pitted against top opposition this term.
Those include a draw to Newcastle United and a narrow loss to Chelsea. However, they were handed a big defeat when Liverpool faced them. Iraola will not hope for a similar outcome against Arsenal, who secured a stellar 4-0 reverse win last time around at the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal ended with a convincing 3-1 home win over Southampton in the game before the international break despite going behind to a Cameron Archer goal. Kai Havertz immediately brought ht eGunners back into the contest. Gabriel Martinelli’s stunning volley at the near post more or less secured the points before Bukayo Saka capped off a stellar afternoon by adding a goal to his two assists.
Arsenal have been solid this season for most parts. However, they have conceded unwanted goals against relegation opponents Leicester City and Southampton, which will have made Mikel Arteta angry given his need for defensive tightness at the back.
Either way, Arsenal have found themselves in the thick of the title race, with only one point separating them from leaders Liverpool, although Manchester City are ahead on goal difference. Arteta will hope for a big victory on the south coast, as Arsenal have been fantastic at the Vitality stadium over the years.
Team News & Tactics
Bournemouth
Only Tyler Adams is a potential absentee for this game against Arsenal, although there is a chance he could make the bench. Andoni Iraola will thank the injury gods for being kind to his team and hope for continuity. However, he could make a few changes to his setup to face the Gunners.
Justin Kluivert’s half-time withdrawal in the last game could affect the manager’s decision, as the Dutchman could sit on the bench for this one. Dango Ouattara might feature further down the pitch on the left wing, while Arsenal target Milos Kerkez seeks to put on an impressive showing from left back.
Marcos Senesi and Illia Zabarnyi will feature at the heart of the defence, with Adam Smith at right-back. Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook will be given the keys to central midfield, where they could have a tough ask to dominate the likes of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey. Marcus Tavernier and Antoine Semenyo will complete the attacking setup, while Evanilson continues to lead the Cherries’ line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Smith, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson
Arsenal
The Gunners have to deal with a long list of injured players, and there is concern about a few key starters, including Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey. The big source of worry was the problems suffered by attacking pair Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli while playing for their countries during this break.
Both could be expected to make the matchday squad, although Mikel Arteta could also take a stern call to rest them ahead of some crucial encounters ahead. Better yet, he could name them on the bench if he needs them during the game at the Vitality Stadium. Should he not take his place, then the likes of Mikel Merino or Jorginho are ready to step in.
Should Havertz not feature after a knee complaint before the break, Arteta could hand Mikel Merino his first start in an Arsenal shirt. He could ideally take the No.10 role, which he did in midweek for Spain. Moreover, should the other critical stars like Saka or Martinelli not feature, it could open the doors for Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to start.
There are other issues in defence, as Ben White and Jurrien Timber are still doubts, in addition to Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Dutchman is the closest to making a comeback, and should he be deemed fit, he will start at right-back. Overall, Arteta’s comments in his press conference did not indicate there were major problems, meaning he will likely continue with his main starting lineup, with most key stars taking their places.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Saka, Partey, Rice, Martinelli; Havertz, Trossard
Key Stats
- Bournemouth have lost their last four games against Arsenal in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth have conceded at least three goals in three of those encounters.
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in 20 of their last 25 matches in the Premier League.
- Arsenal have won 11 of their last 13 matches in the Premier League.
- Raheem Sterling is the leading Premier League goalscorer against Bournemouth with ten goals.
Player to Watch
Declan Rice
Declan Rice needs to step up this season, although some of the criticisms towards the midfielder have been unfounded. However, he has yet to perform at the levels he did last season, as his position on the pitch might be restricting him to a certain extent.
Mikel Arteta needs all his best players on song, and Rice is certainly part of that mix. The midfielder needs to step up from the shadows and produce a memorable performance, especially with some tough games on the horizon.
Prediction
Bournemouth 1-3 Arsenal
The Cherries can be a tough customer on their day, but they tend to struggle against Arsenal, as has been evident over the last few years. That close game at the Emirates aside, Bournemouth have conceded at least three goals in three of their last four encounters with the Gunners, which has allowed Mikel Arteta’s side to record comfortable victories.
Bournemouth do have the ability to score, although Arsenal are unlikely to concede more than a single striker in games like these. The Gunners are expected to come out as comfortable winners once again as they continue on their quest to keep close to the top order. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 victory for Mikel Arteta and his charges.
