PL: Arsenal v Bournemouth

Doors at 7.30am

Rise and Shine

Arsenal return to The Emirates to host Bournemouth in the early kick off. All eyes will be on North London  as the league enters the final stretch. Rival fans and media want nothing more than to see The Gunners slip up.

The role of spoiler this week falls to Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth. Currently in thirteenth position, The Cherries have not suffered defeat in eleven consecutive league matches. Head to head, they have won two of the last three against Arsenal, including a 2-1 in this fixture a year ago. Bournemouth carry plenty of threat in attack, and they will be keen to turn the match into a basketball game. Between Evanilson, Eli Kruppi, Marcus Tavernier, and another breakout forward, Rayan, Iraola’s side have the tools to damage a stout Arsenal defense.

Mikel Arteta’s side rebounded mid-week against Sporting, securing a 1-0 victory after two preceding domestic cup losses. Tuesday night was a return to form for Arsenal, snapping a long win streak for the host’s through rugged defending and a late goal from Kai Havertz. The win will build confidence; the match with Bournemouth will provide a different threat altogether. The Gunners will have to carry their defensive nous back home. Crucially, they’ll have to take the chances as they come. Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber potentially returning should help. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard will need to be at their incisive best. To get over the line, everyone will need to lock in.

Will Arsenal add to their lead at the top of the table? Or will Bournemouth match last season’s result and dent our title aspirations? Join us bright and early at Dillon’s on Saturday. This is when the team needs us most.

VCC


UTA

KEEP THE FAITH ✊