Arsenal welcome Eddie Howe’s AFC Bournemouth to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, for what is a must win game for both sides. Bournemouth have had an awful start to the campaign; failing to pick up a point three games into the season. A 1-0 loss against West Brom on the opening day was followed by a 2-0 defeat at home to Watford, with Howe’s side lacking creativity in midfield and clinical finishing upfront.
Arsenal vs Bournemouth
Premier League – Emirates Stadium, London, Saturday 9th September, 15:00
|
Draw Best Odd of: 9/2 at Ladbrokes |
|
Arsenal
BournemouthDespite an improved performance against Manchester City, in which Bournemouth dominated the possession and created the majority of the chances for large parts of the first half, they still came away with nothing after Raheem Sterling’s injury time winner sent the visitors home as 2-1 winners.
Arsene Wenger’s side have also been poor so far this season. Defensive frailties were obvious in an enthralling 4-3 victory over Leicester in the opening game of the 2017/18 season, in which Arsenal came back from 3-2 down in the last 10 minutes. Even so, the Gunners went into their second game against Stoke with confidence. However Wenger’s side were poor throughout, with Jese’s 47th minute strike the only goal of the game, as the home side came out as deserved winners.
The negativity was only compounded a week later, as Arsenal suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at home to Liverpool, in which the whole squad played woefully. A large contingent of Arsenal fans calling for Wenger to be sacked have resurfaced, with an enormous amount of pressure resting on the Frenchman’s shoulders on Saturday Afternoon.
Transfers:
Arsenal
Arsenal started off the transfer window well, bringing in Schalke wingback Sead Kolasinac on a free and much needed striker Alexandre from Olympique Lyon for around £48m. Kolasinac is an exceptional acquisition by the Gunners, with his pace, power and technical ability at both ends of the field making the Bosnian the perfect man to play at left wingback or fullback. Lacazette is also a great signing. For the last few seasons, the French international has performed brilliantly at Lyon, with his pace in behind and cutthroat finishing troubling many defences. Despite moves for Thomas Lemar and Kylian Mbappe amongst others, Wenger’s side failed to make a transfer in the final two months of the transfer window. Moreover, the North London side lost Alex-Oxlade Chamberlin, Wojciech Szczesny, Gabriel Paulista and Kieran Gibbs, removing crucial depth from their squad. Alexis Sanchez also tried to force a move away from the club, with the Chilean international close to completing a £60m transfer to Manchester City on deadline day, however Arsenal ultimately decided not to decline the offer.
Bournemouth
In contrast, Cherries fans will be relatively happy with their transfer business this summer. Howe’s side signed Chelsea centre-back for just over £20m. The young Dutchman excelled in a loan spell at Bournemouth last season, with his passing ability and intelligence suiting Howe’s style perfectly. The Cherries also acquired Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe. Begovic has been number two to Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea for a couple of years, however before that he was extremely impressive for Stoke. Bournemouth have lacked a top class goalkeeper since they entered the top flight in 2015 and Begovic could certainly be that man. Defoe is more of a questionable signing. Although he was signed on a free transfer, there was a significant signing on fee and the 34-year-old is earning around £70,000 per week.
The England international, however, has undoubted quality in front of goal, scoring 15 Premier League goals in an awful Sunderland side last season. Bournemouth also didn’t lose anyone significant, with Marc Wilson the only permanent departure.
Lineups
Arsenal
It will be interesting to see whether Wenger sticks with a 3421 or reverts to the 4231 formation he’s used for the majority of his time managing Arsenal. I think he’ll go back to his trusted 4231, however I’m not sure Alexis will start on the left, due to his persistence to leave the club on deadline day. Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal will likely be selected at fullback, despite Kolasinac’s availability. I presume Alex Iwobi will replace Sanchez in the left attacking midfield role, with Lacazette favoured to Olivier Giroud upfront.
Bournemouth
Arsenal are weaker opposition than Man City, and Bournemouth will likely go back to a 442 formation, instead of the 5-at-the-back Howe decided upon versus the Citizens. Adam Smith will continue to play right back in place of the injured Simon Francis, while Defoe will probably be favoured to Benik Afobe to start alongside Josh King.
Predicted Lineups:
Arsenal (4231)
Cech
Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal
Xhaka, Ramsey
Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi
Lacazette
Bournemouth (442)
Begovic
Smith, Ake, Cook, Daniels
Fraser, Surman, Arter, Ibe
Defoe, King
Predictions:
Bournemouth would certainly be a good bet for this game and I expect Arsenal’s poor run of form will continue. I predict the Cherries will win the game 2-1, with King, Fraser and Lacazette to score!