The FA Cup returns this weekend for the 4th round of matches and there are plenty of exciting ties to look forward to in the competition. One of the most intriguing takes place on Monday the 27th of January as Bournemouth welcome Arsenal to the Vitality Stadium.
This is an all Premier League clash but both teams come into the game performing below expectations in the table. Bournemouth are currently 18th in the League, which is inside the relegation zone while Arsenal are above them in 10th place.
Bournemouth fans will be feeling a little more confident about this match having picked up an important 3 points in the Premier League last week. The Cherries defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 3-1 at home to record their second victory in their last 8 matches in all competitions.
The only other win from their last 8 games came in the FA Cup 3rd round as Bournemouth defeated Luton Town comfortably 4-0 at home. Eddie Howe will be hoping the victory over Brighton will see Bournemouth turn a corner this season. Home form shows they have been difficult to beat in recent games, losing one of their last 4 at the Vitality Stadium and during that run they picked up a point in the Premier League against Arsenal.
Trends show Bournemouth have kept just a single clean sheet in their last 7 home matches in all competitions. However, they have found the back of the net themselves in 5 of their last 8 games on home soil.
Arsenal were forced to work very hard for their point against Chelsea in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in the Premier League. The Gunners were reduced to 10 men in the first half following the sending off of David Luiz. However, despite falling behind twice in the match Arsenal came back to seal a draw.
That result means Arsenal are now undefeated in their last 5 games in all competitions. They have picked up wins over Manchester United at home in the Premier League and Leeds United at home in the FA Cup 3rd round. Away form shows Arsenal are undefeated in their last 7 matches but they have failed to win any of the last 5 on the road, drawing each of those 5 games.
Trends show both teams have scored in 6 of Arsenal's last 7 away matches.
Looking ahead to the team news and Bournemouth are still dealing with several injuries to players including Charlie Daniels, Chris Mepham, David Brooks and Junior Stanislas. Arnaut Groeneveld, Jack Stacey and Joshua King could make a return to the squad.
Arsenal are without the suspended Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and David Luiz. Calum Chambers, Kieran Tierney, Reiss Nelson and Sead Kolasinac will not play any part in the match but defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos could return to the team.
This will be a tough test for Arsenal following their exertions at Chelsea but at least they have until Monday to recover. Having already played out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League recently, this should be another close game but Arsenal are favourites to win with both teams scoring.