Bournemouth will welcome a high flying Arsenal at Dean Court in the Premier League on Saturday.
Bournemouth came second in the Championship last season and sealed the last automatic promotional berth for the Premier League this season. The Cherries have had a mixed start to the new season under the stewardship of Scott Parker.
They defeated Aston Villa 2-0 pretty convincingly in their season opener but got brutally thrashed at the hands of champions Manchester City in the following match.
Bournemouth are known for their attractive entertaining football and the manager needs to instil some confidence into the side. The harrowing defeat against City would be too soon to judge and they would be adamant to get back to winning ways with a good result against the Gunners.
A number of tough fixtures are piling ahead for them as after Arsenal they are also scheduled to take on Liverpool and Wolves while they will also kick off their EFL Cup journey with a clash against Norwich City.
Bournemouth don’t seem to have a very good record against the North London giants but they did play out a draw at their home the last time these two sides met in the top flight.
Arsenal have had a relentless campaign so far as the Gunners have shown their quality in both the games they have played so far. Mikel Arteta’s side looked full of intent and purposeful and beating this team would be difficult for most teams.
The arrival of Gabriel Jesus has boosted their hopes this time as the Brazilian has been the focal point of their setup as it stands. Work still needs to be done but the Gunners have shown some early promise and they have to stick to their plans.
Two impressive victories against Crystal Palace and Leicester City have enhanced their chances of finishing in the top four but their inconsistent syndrome might affect their preparations this time.
The Gunners looked on course towards a top four finish last season but they failed to take the advantage and had to be satisfied with a fifth place finish and a Europa League berth.
Jesus’ seamless transition since his transfer could finally help the Gunners to chase their dreams of dominating in the Premier League which they haven’t done in the last few years.
Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Date: 20th August 2022
Time: 10:00 PM IST
Stadium: Dean Court
Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Team News
Bournemouth
Dominic Solanke’s availability is depending on his fitness as the striker didn’t appear against Manchester City in the last match. Both Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks will miss this match as they are carrying injuries.
Arsenal
Reiss Nelson won’t be available for selection while new signing Fabio Vieira is still building his fitness.
Bournemouth Possible Lineup
Travers; Lerma, Senesi, Kelly; Smith, Cook, Billing, Zemura; Tavernier, Moore, Solanke
Arsenal
Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Thomas, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
Predictions
Bournemouth are unlikely to mount any challenge against the Gunners.
Bournemouth vs Arsenal Fantasy XI No. 1
Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Senesi; Thomas, Xhaka, Odegaard, Billing; Jesus, Martinelli, Solanke
Bournemouth vs Arsenal Fantasy XI No. 2
Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Senesi, Lerma; Thomas, Xhaka, Billing; Jesus, Martinelli, Solanke
