Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Preview, predictions and lineups

Two familiar foes go head-to-head when Bournemouth host Arsenal on Saturday evening as the Premier League returns following October’s international break.

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola was in the same Basque youth team as his Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta. The firm friends were born just six miles apart, but a much larger chasm separates their respective clubs in the hierarchy of England’s top flight.

While Bournemouth have endured a mixed start to the new campaign, Arsenal are yet to be beaten in any competition. Ten places separated the clubs last season and the same gap exists heading into this weekend, but the dynamic approach of the hosts can cause problems for any team.

Here’s everything you need to know about a reunion played to the backdrop of another intriguing weekend in the Premier League.

Bournemouth vs Arsenal H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

For the first time this season, Bournemouth will have a full squad available. Iraola’s charges avoided any injuries during the international hiatus and the scarcely spotted Tyler Adams could make his return from injury.

The US international has been limited to just four appearances across all competitions since signing for the Cherries in the summer of 2023. Adams somehow managed to rupture his hamstring by back-heeling the ball, but after 18 long, painful months, could be in line for an appearance off the bench.

Bournemouth predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson.

After a relatively fortunate campaign unblighted by injury last term, Arsenal have been hampered by fitness complaints this season. Despite a promising update from Arteta, captain Martin Odegaard will not feature on the south coast while doubts loom over a host of his teammates.

“We are struggling a bit with the numbers,” Arteta conceded ahead of Saturday’s encounter, “especially on our right side.” Both right-backs, Ben White and Jurrien Timber, spent the international break recovering while Kai Havertz sat out Germany’s fixtures with a knee problem. Thomas Partey will be available after missing Ghana’s two games.

Bukayo Saka seemed to be a significant doubt after limping off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece last week, but Arteta downplayed any concerns by describing his issue as “not a serious injury”. Saka’s fellow winger, Gabriel Martinelli, only got back from South America on Thursday afternoon and is nursing a minor complaint.

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s status is also uncertain. Kieran Tierney will take up his familiar position in the treatment room while Bournemouth loanee Neto can’t face his parent club.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Bournemouth (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Partey, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.

Bournemouth may have only amassed eight points from their first seven games – the same tally as Manchester United – but the final score has not always provided a fair reflection of their often impressive performances. As Arteta warned: “They should have had very different results, especially against the big teams and away from home.”

Arsenal will have to be wary of their hosts’ dangerous press and won’t have Odegaard’s guile to help pick a way through the pressure of a team Arteta warily described as “super intense”. However, the Gunners should have enough firepower to find the net against a side which hasn’t kept a clean sheet since April.

Prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal

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