Arsenal-Bournemouth is a match valid for the 26th day of the Premier League and is played on Saturday at 16:00: TV, formations, predictions.
The defeat suffered in the direct clash with Manchester City on 15 February did not have any particular repercussions on Arsenal’s players’ heads. The Gunners could have crumbled after losing twice in the space of a few weeks – prior to the league match the two teams had also faced each other in the FA Cup – to their direct rivals for the title, but instead they kept their nerve.
The three consecutive wins against Aston Villa, Leicester and Everton tell us that Mikel Arteta’s team is still in excellent health. And it is more determined than ever to win this Premier League. Wednesday’s match against the Toffees, who only a month ago surprisingly handed Arsenal their first defeat in months and broke their league unbeaten streak, went off without a hitch. Xhaka and his team-mates chased away the ghosts by overwhelming the Liverpool club 4-0 and keeping their goal unbeaten for the second game in a row. It was a resounding success that gave them +5 on Pep Guardiola’s men: a few hours before the Citizens will be engaged in a home match with Newcastle, which is why Arsenal will take the field knowing the result of their rivals.
The Gunners are back on the run
Either way, the Emirates Stadium clash with newly-promoted Bournemouth, a team that are in dire straits, is one that must not be missed in the most categorical manner to prevent the reigning champions from getting within touching distance of overtaking again.
Bournemouth’s Lerma and Mepham
The calendar continues to be inclement for the Cherries, who only a few days apart have to face the top of the class. After last Saturday’s heavy defeat to Manchester City, who thrashed the Vitality Stadium 4-1, the Rossoneri are at home to the leaders. A pity, as Gary O’Neal’s men had recently raised their heads thanks to their success – the first in 2023 – in the direct clash with Wolverhampton. Bournemouth are currently penultimate on 21 points, but the right side of the table continues to be very short and salvation is still within reach.
The Prediction
Despite their midweek commitment, Arsenal look clear favourites against a Bournemouth side who have won just one game since November. There is a good chance the Gunners can keep their goals unbeaten again.
Arsenal-Bournemouth matchday squad
- ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Trossard.
- BOURNEMOUTH (5-4-1): Neto; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Stephens, Zemura; Ouattara, Billing, Lerma, Traoré; Solanke.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-0
