Verdict: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Saturday lunchtime, Arsenal will welcome Bournemouth to north London.
Arsenal
Starting with the hosts, watching two pieces of silverware go up in smoke on either side of March’s international break, Arsenal travelled over to Portugal on Tuesday night with a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders. However, getting their Champions League quarter-final adventure underway with a last-gasp 1-0 victory away at Sporting Lisbon, the Gunners will now be searching for some crucial stability. Opening Saturday’s showdown in north London desperate to widen their buffer at the top of the table, Mikel Arteta’s side will be excited to make a return to the Emirates this weekend. Despite their EFL Cup heartbreak against Manchester City at Wembley on March 22nd, Arsenal have won all of their last seven straight showdowns in front of their own supporters across all competitions.
Arsenal Team News
Missing out against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night with a reported knock, England international Bukayo Saka could face a late fitness test this weekend. However, dealing with a recent calf issue, the Gunners are expected to be without former Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Coming off the bench and bagging a last-gasp winner over in Portugal on Tuesday, German international Kai Havertz could be handed a full recall. Enjoying what has become a remarkable rise to superstardom, 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman will be hoping to get some more minutes under his belt.
Bournemouth
As for the visitors, while Bournemouth might have opened up the New Year with their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge, Andoni Iraola’s side have seen their top-six dreams take a critical blow. Last seen heading into March’s international break with a rollercoaster 2-2 draw at home against Manchester United, the Cherries have gained a reputation as England’s ultimate stalemate specialist. Marking their return this weekend scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the Premier League standings, Bournemouth have now settled for a single point in each of their previous five top-flight appearances. Despite landing a famous 2-1 win when they travelled to north London last season, Iraola’s side find themselves pencilled in as a real underdog contender on Saturday lunchtime.
Bournemouth Team News
Undergoing knee surgery over the festive period, Dutch international Justin Kluivert will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. However, despite dealing with a knock prior to March’s fortnight interval, Tyler Adams should return to Iraola’s travelling squad.
Coming off the bench and bagging a ninth Premier League strike of the season against Manchester United last time out, Eli Junior Kroupi could be handed a full recall. Enjoying what has been a breakout campaign at the Vitality, James Hill will start at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence.
Arsenal vs Bournemouth Key Factors to Consider
- When Arsenal and Bournemouth met for their reverse Premier League meeting on January 3rd, the Gunners secured a 3-2 victory on the south coast.
- Arsenal have won all of their previous seven consecutive showdowns at the Emirates across all competitions.
- The Cherries have played out a stalemate in all of their previous five consecutive Premier League appearances.
- However, Bournemouth secured a shock 2-1 victory when they last travelled to north London 11 months ago.
- Three of the last four meetings between Arsenal and Bournemouth have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Snatching a last-gasp 1-0 victory away at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night, Arsenal will now be desperate to claim a domestic boost here. Watching two pieces of domestic silverware fall by the wayside on either side of March’s international break, the Gunners will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders this weekend. Looking to widen their buffer over the chasing pack on Saturday lunchtime, Arsenal have continued to shine in north London. Winning all of their last seven consecutive showdowns at the Emirates, we are expecting a similar outcome in the capital.
Verdict: Arsenal win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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