ARSENAL will travel to the South Coast to take on Bournemouth on Saturday in a huge Premier League clash.
The Gunners secured a spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night after a 1-0 win away at Brentford.
Mikel Arteta made a number of changes to his Arsenal team in midweek, with Emile Smith-Rowe making his first start in 499 days.
In the Gunners’ last Premier League outing, they drew 2-2 with North London rivals Tottenham after a thriller at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth also cruised into the Carabao Cup fourth round after a 2-0 win against Championship side Stoke City on Wednesday evening.
The Cherries are still seeking their first three points in the Premier League after a tough start to the season under new manager Andoni Iraola.
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Arsenal have a fine record against Bournemouth, winning the last seven meetings in all competitions.
They last lost to the south coast side in 2018, suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Vitality.
Bournemouth’s only ever result against Arsenal came in a 3-3 home draw the year before.
And they will have to give everything to ensure they come away with at least a point on Saturday.
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What is their form like?
Bournemouth are still without a win in the league this season.
They have managed to get three draws along the way though.
And the Cherries have also racked up two wins in the Carabao Cup, giving them a much needed boost for the weekend game.
As for Arsenal, they remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.
But they’ve already been held to two draws in the league.
The Carabao win over Brentford helped them get over their underwhelming derby performance against Spurs.
And the Gunners will feel like they’re due a few goals against the Cherries.
What is the team news?
Bukayo Saka was left out of Arsenal’s midweek cup clash away at Brentford due to a foot injury he suffered in the 2-2 draw against Spurs.
But Mikel Arteta is ready to throw him into the mix at the Vitality after his Bees break.
Declan Rice also picked up a knock during the North London derby and was withdrawn at half time due to a back injury.
Leandro Trossard could make a timely return to the Arsenal squad in time for Saturday, while Bournemouth is likely to come too soon for Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey.
For Bournemouth, Dominic Solanke is a doubt after being forced off against Stoke in midweek but his side remain hopeful he can make the starting XI.
Tyler Adams could make his first start for the club after his summer move from Leeds.
The midfielder came off the bench against Stoke in midweek to get his first minutes for the Cherries.
Emiliano Marcondes, Alex Scott and Ryan Fredericks are all unlikely to return for Saturday’s clash with Arsenal.
Who are the star men?
Dominic Solanke has been in good form for Bournemouth this season.
He has three goals in the league so far, and will lead the line provided he passes a late fitness test.
Arsenal are in the same boat, with Bukayo Saka also racing to be fit.
But he sat out Brentford and looks likely to make a stunning return to the side.
What have the managers said?
Andoni Iraola: “[Solanke impact] I think it happened pretty similar against Swansea.
“He came in, he didn’t score, but he was there in the goals and he gave us also different energy against Swansea.
“I think he’s played well. Overall, the team has been much better in second half.
“Unfortunately he couldn’t finish the game. Probably the worst part of the evening.
“We’ll see how he presents, if the ankle is swollen or not.
“But we have a very tight schedule, not even three days. It’s going to be tough.”
Mikel Arteta: “Saka was limping quite badly after the match.
“We had to get him off the field which is never a good sign.
“He hasn’t been able to participate in the session. [Bournemouth?] It’s a possibility.
“[Partey is] still not available. It’s a long list! Still not. The same with Jurrien [Timber].
“It’s the situation that we have at moment that we have to adapt.
“The squad we have at the moment is really short and we need players back, that’s for sure.”
SunSport prediction
Arsenal have made a strong start to the season.
While Bournemouth are struggling to impress under their new boss.
We predict a straightforward win for the visitors, who have too much firepower to not score.
Result: Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 3
When is Bournemouth vs Arsenal?
- Bournemouth vs Arsenal will take place on Saturday, September 30.
- Kick off will be at 3pm BST.
- The Vitality Stadium will play host.
Is Bournemouth vs Arsenal on TV?
- Unfortunately, Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth will not be shown on TV in the UK because of the 3pm blackout rule.
- You can, however, keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
What are the odds?
Match result
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- Bournemouth – 9/2
- Draw – 7/2
- Arsenal – 4/9
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
