Mikel Arteta is set to take charge of Arsenal for the first time as the Gunners travel to Bournemouth on Boxing Day. Arsenal are currently sitting in eleventh place, while the Cherries are four points behind in fourteenth.
Earlier this month, Bournemouth ended a run of five straight league defeats by beating Chelsea. However, Eddie Howe’s side failed to back up their win against the Blues as Burnley scored a late winner in their previous game.
Despite enjoying the majority of the possession, Bournemouth didn’t register a single shot on target against the Clarets.
The Cherries have now lost exactly half of their 18 league games this term, and find themselves just four points clear of the relegation zone.
Arsenal have only lost five league games this season, but eight draws have left the Gunners stuck in mid-table.
After winning just five of their 18 league games in 2019/20, it’s clear that Arteta has a lot of work to do in order to turn things around at the Emirates.
His first priority must be tackling the team’s poor defensive record. Arsenal have conceded 27 goals this season, leaving them with an unhealthy goal difference of –3.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals have been vital for Arsenal again this campaign. Only Jamie Vardy has scored more than Aubameyang’s 11 in the Premier League.
In contrast, Bournemouth have struggled in front of goal this season. On-loan Liverpool midfielder Harry Wilson in the club’s top scorer with six.
The Cherries have only ever claimed one victory over Arsenal. In the ten meetings between the two teams, the Gunners have picked up eight wins, while the other game ended in a draw.
Arsenal snatched all three points in the reverse fixture at the Emirates in October, but the Gunners smashed Bournemouth 5-1 last season.
Both clubs have been blighted by injury this season. Bournemouth currently have a total of 11 casualties, while Arsenal could have as many as eight players missing on Thursday.
Diego Rico is suspended for the Cherries after picking up five yellow cards this year, but Simon Francis, Ryan Fraser and Steve Cook could all make a comeback against Arsenal.
The Gunners will be without Callum Chambers due to suspension, while Hector Bellerin is in line to return to first-team action.
Given that both sides possess a leaky defence, both teams are likely to get on the scoresheet on Thursday. However, the Gunners have a lot more to offer in attack.
For that reason, Forebet predicts that Arsenal will scrape a narrow win.