Bournemouth FC vs Arsenal FC
With a slew of injuries to manage, and a tough upcoming fixture list. Mikel Arteta has a challenge to pick the best squad to get the job done. Whilst keeping key players in fighting shape for the bigger tougher opponents coming up.
Predicted XI
I have gone for the same starting line up that played against Southampton as a result of Arteta needing to manage the players who are injured, and those beginning to come back to training ahead of a packed fixture schedule.
Our 2024 away performances have been exceptional. We’ve remained undefeated in 12 league matches away from home, conceding goals for only 13 minutes and maintaining nine clean sheets. A win would elevate us above Liverpool in the standings and potentially place us at the top of the table by Saturday night. This would be a significant morale boost as we enter a demanding period of seven matches in 22 days across three competitions.
The Injuries
Several Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Martinelli, withdrew from their national teams due to minor injuries. However, Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that none of these injuries are severe. Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber were unable to participate in their respective national teams’ matches due to injuries. Additionally, Ben White has been sidelined for three weeks with a groin injury.
Havertz may be available for selection against Bournemouth. Hence why I have taken the risk to include some of these into my starting lineup.
Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney continue to be sidelined with ankle, calf, knee, and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Key Stats:
Arsenal has dominated our recent matches against Bournemouth, winning 11 out of 14 Premier League encounters. Since Bournemouth’s return to the top flight in 2022, we’ve won all four meetings with a significant goal margin, scoring at least three goals each time. This is a game we should feel confident about. Yet that last gasp winner from former Gunner Reiss Nelson remains in the memory of most gunners.
Arsenal has maintained an undefeated record in all competitions this season. Our current unbeaten streak is the longest since the 2007/08 season, where we went unbeaten in the first 21 matches. Mikel is a fan of the data when it comes to football, and this is certainly a stat he does not want to lose.
Kai Havertz has been a key contributor to Arsenal’s recent success, contributing to 20 goals in his last 21 Premier League matches. He has scored in each of his last four appearances across all competitions. I have a sneaking suspicion that king Kai will be at it again! Watch those corners!
Predictions
Scoreline: Bournemouth 0 – Arsenal 3
POTM: Kai Havertz
Suggested Bet: Arsenal to WIN & Over 2.5 Goals
Written by Reekesh Somaroo
For Art of Analysis