The Gunners will take on AFC Bournemouth on Saturday as the Premier League resumes after the International Break. Arsenal had a few initial injury scares, but it seems like most of the players are fit now. Mikel Arteta would be looking to get the three points and try to close the gap on leaders Liverpool. Arsenal would also keep a keen eye on Antoine Semenyo. The young forward is being linked to them and it would be one of those audition matches. This match will help the players ease into action after injuries and get out of the international break mindset.
Arsenal are competing for the title this season. If they plan to beat Manchester City then every single point is important. Mikel Arteta and his men know about this, finishing a close second two times in a row. The Spaniard came out and spoke about the availability of many of his players before the game. Let’s look at what to expect from the game at the Vitality Stadium.
Gunners face Bournemouth before series of tough games
I don’t expect Mikel Arteta to go all guns blazing against Bournemouth. Most of his players are either just back from injury or still unavailable. The Gunners will face Liverpool next in the league. Arne Slot’s team has looked solid on both ends of the floor till now. They currently sit at the top of the league, winning six games out of the seven total played. The match against Liverpool at the Emirates will be tough for Liverpool. The Reds haven’t played against the big teams till now and their match against Chelsea this weekend will be their first encounter with a top side this season. Liverpool have played Manchester United this season but like Slot said, he is yet to face a top team.
Arsenal will face Newcastle and Chelsea at St James’s Park and Stamford Bridge up next. These fixtures will be tricky. Newcastle are nowhere close to playing well. They have been able to get the right results, but have looked lackluster. They were able to frustrate Manchester City though and this is what Arsenal will need to be careful about. No matter how bad Newcastle get, getting three points at their home is difficult for every opposition.
Chelsea have shown that they can score a ridiculous number of goals and Cole Palmer’s form, and confidence are at an all-time high. The English Midfielder was brilliant against top six teams last year, it would be interesting to see how he performs. Even though Chelsea were very average against City, they have looked extremely lively ever since.
These games don’t look easy on paper, but I expect Arsenal to emerge out of these fixtures, still unbeaten in the league. Liverpool have a new coach and they haven’t played a top team. Newcastle have looked dreadful, and Chelsea are good but not quite on Arsenal’s level. The game against Bournemouth will help players get back into rhythm with these matches up next. If all goes well, by the next international break gets over, Arsenal might have Odegaard back.
Arsenal Vs Bournemouth
I believe that Arsenal will control the entire game with Bournemouth getting a few opportunities on counters. Bournemouth can hurt anyone with the pace and dribbling of Marcus Tavernier and Antoine Semenyo. But Arsenal have a very solid back four and getting past them won’t be easy.
Arsenal attackers on the other hand would need to take the early opportunities and keep the pressure on the home side, the entire game. If Arsenal fail to take their chances, then Bournemouth is the kind of team that can make them regret it later.
Arsenal can’t afford to lose points in the league. No team that wants to compete with Manchester City can ever lose points in the first half of the season. Coming back from the international break, Arsenal will have this in their mind. With matches where they can actually lose points on their way, Arsenal would want to resume the Premier League action with a victory.
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