Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Betting odds, team news and prediction

Arsenal will be looking to tighten their grip at the top of the Premier League table when they take on struggling AFC Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After a mini blip last month, the Gunners have bounced back with three consecutive victories in recent weeks. After seeing off Aston Villa and Leicester City on the road, Arsenal thrashed Everton 4-0 at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

That victory in midweek saw the North Londoners finally play their game in hand – which they’ve had since the original fixture against Everton was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in early September. Mikel Arteta’s side now sit five points clear of second placed Manchester City with 13 games left to play.

City have the chance to close the gap and put the pressure on Arsenal if they can beat Newcastle United at home in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. However, Arsenal know that victory over Bournemouth later that day will ensure they are at least five points clear so all they’ll be focussing on is getting the job done and taking advantage of any potential slip-up by the Citizens.

Bournemouth head to the capital off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side so they’ll be desperate to put up more of a fight at the Emirates. They did manage to beat Wolves away from home recently, but otherwise the Cherries have struggled this season and sit 19th in the division – three points off bottom placed Southampton.

Betting odds

This game is expected to attract a lot of attention in the betting markets and understandably top bookmakers such as UFA100 have priced Arsenal as the red hot favourites to claim all three points. The Gunners can currently be backed at odds of around 1/5 to win this game on home soil.

If you fancy a shock at the Emirates Stadium and want to bet on Bournemouth getting something from the game, the draw is available at odds of 11/2 while you can back the visitors to take home all three points at 14/1.

The Gunners are back to their best and blew Everton away in midweek, and you wouldn’t be surprised to see a similar result on Saturday. A 3-0 Arsenal win looks tempting at 11/2. Gabriel Martinelli continued his excellent recent form with two more goals on Wednesday and the Brazilian is 9/2 to open the scoring in this game.

If we bet on Martinelli to score first in a 3-0 Arsenal victory over Bournemouth, then the odds increase to a whopping 31/1.

Team news

Arsenal will assess Eddie Nketiah as the striker is carrying a minor ankle knock. Gabriel Jesus is back in training after recovering from knee surgery having picked up the injury at the World Cup. However, this game comes too soon so he remains on the sidelines. That means Leandro Trossard is likely to keep his place up front, with the in-form Bukayo Saka and Martinelli offering support.

Thomas Partey is pushing for a recall after making two substitute appearances lately following a muscle issue. Jorginho has been suffering from illness so Partey could replace the Italian international in Arteta’s eleven this weekend.

As for Bournemouth, they’ll continue to be without David Brooks due to a thigh injury while Junior Stanislas is also out. However, Lewis Cook is set to return from a knee problem while Marcus Tavernier and Iilia Zabarnyi could return to the squad.

Prediction

Arsenal look formidable right now, especially at home, and are flying at the top of the table. Bournemouth on the other hand have struggled for consistency all season and are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone. With Saka, Martinelli, Trossard and Martin Odegaard all in excellent form, it’s hard to see past a comfortable home victory here. Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth