Prediction: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Marking their return from October’s international break on Saturday evening, Arsenal will travel to the Vitality when they meet Bournemouth.

Bournemouth

Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have signed off September with a 3-1 win against Southampton, the Cherries came crashing back down to earth prior to October’s international break. Heading into the fortnight interval with a toothless 1-0 loss at the hands of Leicester, Andoni Iraola’s side have lost three of their previous four Premier League appearances. Although some around the Vitality might be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-half charge this time around, the former Rayo Vallecano boss is calling on his squad to find some crucial stability. Crashing out of the EFL Cup on August 28th following a 1-0 defeat away at West Ham, Bournemouth have registered just a pair of wins from any of their first eight showdowns against top-flight opposition across all competitions.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance this season, former Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams will once again be missing from Bournemouth’s squad on Saturday evening. However, aside from the USA international, Iraola’s side have reported a clean bill of health this weekend.

While Brazilian marksmen Evanilson might have only registered a single Premier League strike since completing a big-money move from Porto, the 25-year-old will lead Bournemouth’s attack. Despite featuring for Ghana over the fortnight break, Antoine Semenyo will partner Evanilson in the final third.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have once again fallen short last season as they missed out on the chance to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since 2004, the Gunners haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Once again flying out of the traps, Mikel Arteta’s title contenders will simply be looking to make another statement here. Heading into October’s international break with a 3-1 victory at home against Southampton, Saturday’s guests find the mood in their camp at a real high. Collecting a heavyweight Champions League scalp earlier in the month as they secured a 2-0 win against French heavyweights PSG, Arsenal have now won all of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions. Yet to suffer a single defeat across any front since opening up the new campaign, Arteta’s squad are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender here.

Team News

Withdrawing from England’s squad last week after suffering a knock against Greece, it remains to be seen if attacking talisman Bukayo Saka will feature on Saturday evening. Likewise, still dealing with a recent ankle injury, skipper Martin Odegaard remains a major doubt.

Finding the net in each of his final four appearances across all competitions prior to the fortnight break, ex-Chelsea star Kai Havertz will look to extend on his stellar start to the season. Jurrien Timber should return at right-back and replace Ghana international Thomas Partey.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Bournemouth and Arsenal last met for a Premier League showdown on May 4th, the Gunners collected a routine 3-0 romp at the Emirates.
• Likewise, Saturday’s guests have won all of their last four competitive showdowns against Bournemouth.
• Arsenal won all of their final four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 14-4.
• The Cherries have lost three of their previous four Premier League appearances.
• Germany international Kai Havertz found the net in all of his final four appearances prior to October’s international break.

Conclusion

Heading into October’s international break with a real flurry, Arsenal will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off earlier in the month. Winning all of their previous four appearances across all fronts by an aggregate score of 14-4, the Gunners will also be excited by a dominant record against Bournemouth. Along with landing a 3-0 romp when they welcomed the Cherries to north London back on May 4th, they have won each of their previous four consecutive battles. Unbeaten across any formats since opening up the new campaign, we are backing an away victory at the Vitality.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster