By Matt Smith
The Cherries are nonetheless in with a shout of ending within the European locations, however a defeat in opposition to Arsenal will make their activity extremely troublesome.
Bournemouth shall be trying to full a uncommon double after profitable their earlier assembly earlier within the season. That was their first victory over the north London outfit since 2018, with Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert scoring the targets.
Group information
Arsenal shall be with out each Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori for the sport in opposition to Bournemouth, whereas none of their longer-term injured stars are anticipated to return, together with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Mikel Arteta may look to relaxation some gamers for this one with the Premier League title race over and a visit to Paris Saint-Germain coming subsequent week.
Bournemouth shall be with out Ryan Christie, Enes Ünal, and Luis Sinisterra, however Andoni Iraola shouldn’t have any contemporary harm issues heading into the journey to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s defensive solidity could possibly be key
Maintaining the ball out of their very own web hasn’t been an issue for Arsenal within the Premier League this season, conceding simply 0.9 targets per sport. No aspect has conceded fewer, whereas they’ve solely given up 29.2 anticipated targets within the marketing campaign.
Creating alternatives has been what separates them and Liverpool this time period, with the Gunners producing simply 97 large possibilities to Liverpool’s 136. Being with out Bukayo Saka for a big portion of the season has definitely contributed to their lack of creativity, and it’s performed an element within the Gunners being unable to elevate the Premier League title as soon as once more.
Bournemouth a shock bundle
Bournemouth began the season in sensational type, being considerably of a shock bundle in England’s prime flight. Their performances have change into inconsistent because the marketing campaign has gone on, nevertheless it’s given them one thing to construct on heading into one other season below Iraola.
Their excessive urgent system makes it extremely troublesome for sides to play out from the again, resulting in some spectacular outcomes in opposition to a number of the greater sides. No crew within the Premier League has received possession within the last third extra occasions than the Cherries this time period (5.9 per sport).
Nwaneri’s time to shine
Younger attacker Ethan Nwaneri has struggled for sport time in latest weeks with Arteta not wanting to use an excessive amount of strain on {the teenager} in some essential video games. When given the chance this season, Nwaneri has flourished, offering six targets and assists mixed in simply 810 Premier League minutes.
Arteta may look to rotate because of their Champions League conflict subsequent week, and it could possibly be a chance for Nwaneri to shine, whether or not that be on the right-hand aspect of assault or within the quantity 10 place.
Prediction
With little on the road for Arsenal and adjustments anticipated, it could possibly be a chance for the Cherries to select up a outcome. Their high-pressing system would possibly trigger the Gunners some issues, so we’re going for a 2-1 win for Bournemouth.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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