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Recommended bets
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Match preview
After a truly scintillating display on Wednesday night, will Arsenal, at least, maintain their five point lead at the top of the table?
In mid-week, the Gunners demolished Everton 4-0 at home, with Bukayo Saka and then Gabriel Martinelli scoring two quick-fire goals on the cusp of half time.
In the second half, Martin Ødegaard fired home a third, before Martinelli completed the rout late on.
That made it three straight wins for Mikel Arteta’s team, following victories on the road at Aston Villa and then Leicester.
So, with 13 games remaining, Arsenal are five points clear of Man City, believing that this could actually be their year.
Given that the Gunners have won ten of 13 meetings with Bournemouth, including all six in London, this has all the hallmarks of a home banker.
This means Gary O’Neil’s team have lost six of nine post-World Cup fixtures, only beating Wolves during this period.
As a result, Bournemouth kick off in 19th place, albeit only one point adrift of safety.
Will Arsenal enjoy another routine home victory here?
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta will name his strongest available XI here, before rotating a bit in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sporting at Estádio José Alvalade.
Leandro Trossard has started both matches this week up front, and is set to keep is place, chosen over Eddie Nketiah.
Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe came on in mid-week and will be an option once again, slowly being eased back in after a long-term groin issue.
Thomas Partey was introduced at half time, so don’t be surprised if he starts here, even if Jorginho has been excellent.
Martin Ødegaard bagged a brace at Dean Court in August, looking to take his tally to ten goals for the season here.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Ødegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.
Bournemouth team news
January signings Hamed Junior Traorè and Dango Ouattara will continue out-wide for Bournemouth, seeking to supply lone front man Dominic Solanke.
Gary O’Neil switched to a 5-4-1 for last weekend’s clash with Man City, so it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with that, or brings Marcus Tavernier back into midfield.
Jordan Zemura will keep his place at left-back, with Matías Viña out injured.
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Neto; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Zemura; Lerma, Billing, Ouattara, Tavernier, Traorè; Solanke.
Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Head to head statistics
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Premier League table
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