Arsenal vs Bournemouth preview: Betting odds and predictions

Arsenal can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a win over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

The Gunners held on to top spot with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham in the North London Derby last weekend. Arsenal raced into a 3-0 half-time lead thanks to an own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a wonderful strike from Bukayo Saka and a header from Kai Havertz.

Tottenham staged a second half comeback and pulled it back to 1-3 through Cristian Romano following an error from Arsenal keeper David Raya. Hueng-min Son then ensured it would be a nervy end to the game after making it 2-3 from the penalty spot in the 87^th minute but the Gunners held on to secure a vital win.

Mikel Arteta’s side remain one point clear of Manchester City after they beat Nottingham Forest last time out. However, the defending champions hold a game in hand so Arsenal cannot afford any slip up in their final three games if they want to be champions.

The next hurdle is against an in-form Bournemouth side who head to the Emirates having won five of their last eight league games. The Cherries beat Brighton 3-0 last week to move into the top 10 so they’ll be looking to derail Arsenal’s title push with a positive result in North London on Saturday.

However, the Londoners have the chance to move four points clear with a win and put the pressure on Man City ahead of their clash with Wolves at the Etihad Stadium later in the day. Arteta won’t want to waste that opportunity, so we should expect the Gunners to come out firing on Saturday lunchtime.

Betting odds

Understandably, Arsenal are the heavy favourites to win the game. Looking at the latest football odds and fixtures we can see that many bookmakers are offering around 1/8 on an Arsenal win this weekend. Bournemouth are 11/1 to claim all three points while the draw is available at 5/1.

• Arsenal win 1/8
• Draw 5/1
• Bournemouth win 11/1

Given the long odds, punters might as well visit Bingo UK halls and try their luck at winning big as there isn’t any value in backing Arsenal this weekend. Instead, we need to look at alternative bets.

Arsenal are averaging nearly 3 goals per game this season while Bournemouth have also been in good scoring form lately, so we should expect plenty of goal mouth action in this game. Over 3.5 match goals at odds of 10/11 is a solid bet while both teams to score at 4/5 is also tempting.

The Gunners are expected to win this match and they’ll also be mindful of maintaining their goal difference advantage over City. Arsenal to win 3-1 at odds of 8/1 looks like a good bet.

Predicted score

Arsenal have been outstanding in 2024 as they’ve dropped just five points in the Premier League since the turn of the year. That’s 17 wins and a draw from their last 19 games, which is an incredible record.

They have a golden opportunity to tighten their grip at the top and open up a four point lead over City. This would really put the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men ahead of their home clash with Wolves, so Arteta will be desperate to see his side produce another masterclass performance.

Bournemouth are a dangerous side and with Dominic Solanke up front, they will always cause problems. However, it’s difficult to see past a home win so we’re predicting Arsenal to claim all three points and put the ball firmly in City’s court. Arsenal 3-1 Bournemouth