Prediction: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: bet365

The FA Cup fourth round shenanigans aren’t quite done just yet, because in addition to the fourth round replays that will be taking place in the immediate future, we’ve also got Bournemouth vs Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium to look ahead to later on tonight. These two Premier League sides will be going in search of a place in the last 16 of the competition, and at that point, they’d be just two more wins away from securing a spot at Wembley.

Bournemouth

The main focus for Bournemouth is going to be staying in the Premier League after what has been an exceptionally difficult first half of the season for them. While there still may be quite a long way to go, they need to start picking up results and fast. Some will say being in the FA Cup is nothing more than a distraction at this stage but if they’re able to get past a team as strong as Arsenal, then they could well go on to do some big things in the next few rounds.

Team News

The injury problems are getting worse for Bournemouth who look set to be without Brooks, Daniels, Groeneveld, Ibe, King, Mepham, Stanislas and Stacey in one of their most important games of the season so far.

Arsenal

The importance of the FA Cup has not been lost on Arsenal fans over the last few years who have been able to joy a lot of success in the competition. Even with that being the case, though, they definitely need to take a look at what their primary focus is going to be in the second half of the season under Unai Emery. The Spaniard has won the FA Cup twice before as a player with Arsenal, and he’ll know better than most what this means.

Team News

Nelson, Chambers, Tierney and Kolasinac are all out of action through injury with Aubameyang and Luiz being suspended. Sokratis is also going to be a doubt heading into this game.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting on Boxing Day, Bournemouth and Arsenal drew 1-1.
• Bournemouth have won two and lost four of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Bournemouth have scored seven goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored eight goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

We can see Arsenal edging their way past Bournemouth and into the next round, if only because we don’t think Bournemouth have what it takes to win a game of this magnitude right now. The Gunners will push them back and be allowed to experiment going forward, probably picking up a hefty win in the process. They still need to get off to a bright start in order to find success, but we don’t think it’s going to be a good night at the office for the hosts.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: bet365