Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Top of the table Gunners look to extend lead on Man City by picking off bruised Cherries
ARSENAL will be hoping to continue their formidable Premier League form – as they host relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
Eddie Nketiah is a doubt for the Gunners with an ankle problem that isn’t thought to be too serious.
Gabriel Jesus is close to returning to the match-day squad, but this weekend will come too soon for the Brazilian.
If Nketiah is unavailable for the visit of Bournemouth, Arteta could start with Leandro Trossard through the middle, as he did in Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Everton in midweek.
The North London outfit opened up a five-point gap between themselves and Pep Guardiola’s men.
But Mikel Arteta will be desperate for his side not to take their eye off the ball, especially with relegation-battling Bournemouth coming to town.
However, Arsenal will be hopeful that the Cherries are still bruised from last weekend’s 4-1 pummelling at the hands of Man City.
When is Arsenal vs Bournemouth?
- Arsenal’s huge Premier League encounter against Bournemouth will take place TODAY, Saturday, March 4.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 3pm GMT.
- Emirates Stadium in North London is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
- Bournemouth were humiliated by the Gunners when the sides met earlier on this season.
Is Arsenal vs Bournemouth on TV?
- Unfortunately, Arsenal vs Bournemouth will NOT be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
- This is due to the Saturday TV football blackout law.
- However, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire action.
What is the team news?
Mikel Arteta will be delighted to almost be at full strength with only Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny definitely unavailable for this match.
However, the Gunners boss revealed that Eddie Nketiah played through a slight knock during the Everton thrashing.
Arteta said: “We are assessing Eddie and it’s a bit uncertain what’s going to happen with him, to be honest.
“Let’s see and keep the options open. He’s very positive about it, so hopefully he will be fine.”
And January signing Jorginho was forced off early due to the Italian being ill.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is expected to have a whole host of players on the side-lines for Saturday’s trip to the Emirates.
Lewis Cook, David Brooks, Junior Stanislas, Lloyd Kelly, Marcus Tavernier and Matias Vina are all likely to miss out.
But Illia Zabarnyi could return after being reintegrated into full training.
What are the odds?
- Arsenal to win 2/9
- Draw 5/1
- Bournemouth to win 11/1
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication