Arsenal lock horns with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium for 3 precious points, in their race towards claiming the Premier League crown.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s side aim to continue their unbeaten run across all competitions this term, having played 10 matches, winning 7 and drawing 3.
In the Premier League, Arsenal have been involved in 7 matches, winning 5 and drawing 2.
The Gunners are still in a good position to contend for the league title, as they are level on points (17) with 2nd-placed Manchester City while being a point-adrift league leaders Liverpool.
Given the qualities that they possess, they are expected to dispatch Bournemouth, although it is unknown if they will deal with any jet lag or fail to kick into gear having been away due to the international break.
Before the October 2024 international break, they breezed past Southampton at the Emirates Stadium 3-1, courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka.
However, it is unknown if Saka will feature in the coming games for Arsenal after sustaining a knock during international engagements with England.
Their fans would be hoping that they can rake in the needed points, pending when their star names return from their injury layoffs.
Bournemouth
The Cherries host Arsenal following a wishy-washy start to the campaign despite occupying a familiar position (13) on the Premier League table after 7 matches.
They have secured just 2 wins from their first 7 games, losing 3 and drawing 2, whilst also being dumped out from the EFL Cup by West Ham United in the 2nd round.
Andoni Iraola’s side have gathered 8 points so far, but have recorded just a win in their last 4 fixtures.
Their last victory came on September 30, 2024, when they defeated Southampton by 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium.
In their first 7 matches, they met 2 of the traditional top 6 teams and lost to both clubs (1-0 to Chelsea) and (3-0 to Liverpool).
Before the October 2024 international break, they also fell to a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
They will be looking to avoid a defeat against Arsenal as they strive to remain in the top flight.
Recent results against Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t pleasing for Bournemouth, having lost 4-0 at their home turf against the Gunners last term and 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Head To Head (H2h) Between Bournemouth And Arsenal
Bournemouth to win: 1
Draw: 2
Arsenal to win: 13
Team News For Bournemouth
The only major concern for the Cherries is Tyler Adams, who may be eased back into action, but it is unknown if he would feature in their clash against Arsenal.
Team News For Arsenal
Meanwhile, Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of major players, as Bukayo Saka pulled out of the England squad after taking a knock to his leg against Greece on October 10, 2024.
The winger is expected to be assessed and an update on his injury status is expected to be delivered.
Martin Odegaard will not feature in the encounter, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained during the September 2024 international break.
There are reports that he has suffered a setback in his recovery process and it is uncertain if he will return to action in the coming weeks.
Gabriel Martinelli Injured!
Gabriel Martinelli will also need to be examined after missing Brazil’s win over Peru on October 16, 2024, due to a calf problem.
Martinelli will reportedly be back in action in November 2024, with his absence also being another major blow for Arsenal.
Additionally, Kieran Tierney (hamstring), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Ben White (groin), Jurrien Timber (unspecified), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee) are in the treatment room.
Second-choice goalkeeper Neto cannot face his parent club, so 16-year-old Jack Porter could act as David Raya’s deputy this weekend due to an injury to Tommy Setford.
Bournemouth Potential Starting Lineup:
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Tavernier, Sinisterra; Evanilson
Arsenal Potential Starting Lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Prediction: Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal
Kick-off Time And Date: 05:30 PM, Saturday, October 19, 2024.
