Prediction: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 18/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League continues to roll on through the month of August with a parade of exciting fixtures waiting for us in what serves as just the third set of games so far this season. We’ve already seen a whole lot of exciting developments in English football’s top flight and this weekend, we hope for even more – especially at the Vitality Stadium where Bournemouth will play host to Arsenal.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth have made their way back into the big time after a brief absence and their reliance on homegrown British players has really captured the attention of fans and pundits. The Cherries have a smart system under Scott Parker that relies on their ability to stay calm under pressure, and we’re intrigued to see whether that helps them vault away from the dangers of relegation.

Team News

Rothwell, Fredericks and Brooks have all been ruled out of this one for Bournemouth with Zemura and Solanke being assessed before game day.

Arsenal

Arsenal fans are pretty excited for the start of the new season and it’s not hard to understand why. They’ve looked good up to this point on the pitch, the squad appears to be in the right headspace, and the new signings have been able to blend into the Gunners’ style of play very nicely. Don’t look now, but this could serve as the start of a resurgence for what we believe to be a sleeping giant.

Team News

Vieira is unfortunately still a doubt for Mikel Arteta’s side but apart from that, they appear to have a relatively clean bill of health.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in January 2020, Arsenal beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the FA Cup.
• Bournemouth have won one and lost one of their first two games.
• Arsenal have won both of their first two games.
• Bournemouth have scored two goals and conceded four so far.
• Arsenal have scored six goals and conceded two so far.

Conclusion

The Bournemouth we saw against Villa, at home, implies to us that they’re going to put up a really strong fight this season, and that their fanbase is ready for the challenge. We think the physicality they have is going to cause the visitors some real problems and because it’s just hard to picture Arsenal winning their first three, combined with how intense of a clash this should be, we’re backing a 1-1 draw here.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 18/5

Bookmaker: 888sport