Premier League Predictions: Arsenal to win at Bournemouth

Bournemouth will hope to reverse the trend against Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday when the two sides meet in a Premier League e...

Bournemouth will hope to reverse the trend against Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday when the two sides meet in a Premier League encounter. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Bournemouth vs Arsenal

The Vitality Stadium

5:30pm

Bournemouth were on a roll before their last game against Manchester City but in all honesty, no one expected them to beat the Champions and they proved they’re not easy meats despite how much gap the score line suggested.

Arsenal can be said to be in a good place now but they need to add extra covers in central midfield and in wide positions to be able to compete with stronger teams but they have proven with the two games so far that they can adapt to game tempos.

Bournemouth had fine moments in their 4-0 loss to Manchester City; they worked the champions’ defense a couple of times but the golf in class showed with level of finishing we saw from top quality players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.

Arsenal beat Leicester City 4-2 and the beauty of that is in how they managed to come back from conceding even before the Foxes finish their celebrations; Arsenal restored their two goal lead each time they conceded within two minutes.

Arsenal has found a way to create a new role for Granit Xhaka and he is flourishing in it without being a liability to the team. Arsenal also needs Bukayo Saka to start firing but a part of that depends on who is chosen to play with him on the right side of the pitch as he has to cover for Ben White most of the time.

How will Bournemouth line up? Kiefer Moore and Solanke will fancy their chances against Arsenal but can they breach the Arsenal backline? Scott Parker likes to be expressive but after watching Arsenal in the last two games, he might want to be cautious.

Gabriel Martinelli has been Arsenal’s outlet this season, he will trouble the Cherries a lot on Saturday and they must look for a way to cope with him all evening; Arsenal also press brilliantly and that can be a source of concern to Parker and his side.

Gabriel Jesus is now settled at Arsenal with two goals and two assists against Leicester City, he will be unleashed again at the Vitality Stadium and he will be someone to watch out for, from his movement within and around the box to his finishing.

Arsenal always have the edge in the history books with only one point a source of positive reference for the Cherries, Mikel Arteta’s first game in the stands for the Gunners was against Bournemouth, it ended 1-1 on that occasion, same would be a great result for the hosts on Saturday but Arsenal would want more.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.