Bournemouth v Arsenal- Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Bournemouth host Arsenal in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Cherries have had mixed results this season and have lost four of their last six matches. The Gunners remain unbeaten this season in all competitions. Arsenal have won the last five clashes between the two clubs, scoring 15 goals in total.

Bournemouth Form

The Cherries ended last season with six losses in their final 10 league matches. This season began with a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle, where they registered 2.26 xG. They then suffered a late 1-0 loss at West Ham in the Carabao Cup. A superb comeback saw them secure a 3-2 win at Everton, coming back from 2-0 down in the 86th minute.

A 1-0 home loss to Chelsea followed, in which they missed a penalty and hit the woodwork twice. After a 3-0 defeat at Anfield, with all goals conceded in the first 37 minutes, they bounced back with a 3-1 home win over Southampton, leading 3-0 by the 40th minute. Before the FIFA break, they lost 1-0 at Leicester despite recording 19 shots and 2.16 xG.

Bournemouth Team News

Coach Andoni Iraola may have midfielder Tyler Adams available after 18 months of injury problems. There are no other concerns for the team unless some players return from international duty with knocks.

The starting XI is quite settled. Dango Ouattara and Luis Sinisterra are seen as impact substitutes and are not expected to be included in the starting lineup for this match.

Bournemouth Motivation

Bournemouth would see a draw as a great result, even at home.

Their style of play is quite open, which will create space for Arsenal. To get anything from this game, they will likely need to score a couple of goals.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal ended last season with six straight wins, and they are unbeaten in ten matches this term. In the early rounds, they secured big results with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa and a 1-0 victory at Tottenham. A 0-0 draw at Atalanta in the Champions League followed.

A 2-2 draw at Manchester City, where they played with ten men, saw them concede a late goal after allowing 28 shots in the second half. Following a 5-1 home win over Bolton in the League Cup, they scored two late goals to beat Leicester 4-2 and then comfortably defeated PSG 2-0 at home. Their most recent match was a 3-1 home win over Southampton after falling behind.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta has several injury doubts. Ben White and Jurrien Timber will undergo late fitness tests, but Kai Havertz should be available after missing Germany’s matches during the last fortnight.

Captain and key midfielder Martin Odegaard is ruled out, and Gabriel Martinelli is doubtful with a calf injury. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey are expected to shake off knocks and be available, as is Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal Motivation

For Arsenal, anything less than a win in this match would feel like a defeat. This is a must-win game.

Arteta’s side will likely push for a winner by adding more forwards if necessary. If leading, they could drop into a low block and hit Bournemouth on the counter.

Key Stats

Bournemouth have lost 7 of their last 11 matches.

Bournemouth have conceded 17 goals in their last 10 EPL matches (no clean sheets).

Arsenal have won their last 5 matches against Bournemouth, scoring 15 goals.

Arsenal have won 13 of their last 16 matches.

Verdict

Arsenal will be tested in this match, but they have the firepower and defensive resilience to secure all three points. I expect both teams to score, with Arsenal winning by more than one goal.

Best Bet: Arsenal win at 1.64

Value Bet: Arsenal win and both teams to score at 3.30

Alternate Bet: Arsenal Win (-1 handicap) at 2.70

Goalscorer Tip: Kai Havertz to score anytime at 2.75