Arsenal needs to bounce back from the humiliating defeat against Liverpool in the previous round. However, AFC Bournemouth are ready to give their utmost to win their first points of the season! At the same time, Brighton will try to stop the impressive run of West Brom who are flying high on the 5th spot of the Premier League table.
It seems that there are no weak teams in the English Premier League this season. This means that we’re bound to see interesting clashes this weekend. The Gunners will definitely have to work hard to beat Bournemouth, while West Brom’s nice run might end with the clash against Brighton.
Arsenal vs. AFC Bournemouth
Three-Way: 1: Arsenal -222; X: +480 Draw; 2: AFC Bournemouth +840
Spread -1.5: Arsenal +106; AFC Bournemouth -109
Total +3.5: Over +112; Under -115
ARSENAL
After three rounds, Arsenal is close to the bottom of the Premier League. The Gunners won the opening game against Leicester in a thrilling match that was decided in the final moments. However, they lost to Stoke in the next round. Still, the biggest disappointment happened in the previous round, when Liverpool thrashed them 4:0.
A thing that’s giving the fans of Arsenal some hope is that both of those defeats happened in away matches. At home, Arsenal has always been amazing. In fact, they’re without a Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium since January.
A good result on Saturday would surely do great for the morale of this squad, especially given the fact that they have a few difficult games after the clash with Bournemouth. First, they play against Koln in the Europa League, while their next Premier League match is with title-holders, Chelsea.
Arsenal should be capable to deal with AFC Bournemouth easily. After all, they have a squad with a number of top-quality players, including Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. On top of that, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, will not have too many problems with injuries. Only two players are out for sure – Alex Iwobi and Santi Cazorla.
AFC BOURNEMOUTH
AFC Bournemouth is without any points after three rounds of the Premier League. Still, they did very well in the previous round against Manchester City, a game which they lost in the stoppage time. In fact, Sterling scored the winner for Man City, seven minutes into the stoppage time.
Last season, AFC Bournemouth ended in the top half of the table, but not many people are optimistic about their chances in 2017/2018. They just don’t seem to have the quality needed for staying in the top English flight, although most of their key players are still on the team. Actually, all of their crucial players from the last season are still on the team, while several very talented players have joined the squad.
Begovic and Ake came from Chelsea during the latest transfer window for €11.5M and €22.8M, respectively. Both of the players have been regulars in the previous three games and it’s fair to expect them to be in the starting eleven for the game against Arsenal.
Still, AFC Bournemouth will be without a couple of players, most notably Stanislas, Francis, and Wilson. The three have been out of the team for a while now, so their absence should not pose a too serious problem.
Arsenal vs. Bournemouth – Match Prediction
This is a must-win situation for Arsenal, who got humiliated in the previous round against Liverpool. They need to bounce back straight away with a big win over AFC Bournemouth. The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will surely expect his team to come out stronf and show full strength trying to score a couple of goals in the first 45 minutes. Although it might not be an as easy job as many would expect, I still believe Arsenal will take all three points at the end.
MY PICK: Arsenal 1.5 AH (+106)
Brighton vs. West Brom
Three-Way: 1: Brighton +173; X: +216 Draw; 2: West Brom +213
Spread 0: Brighton -118; West Brom +116
Total +2: Over +102; Under +100
BRIGHTON
Brighton is one of the biggest candidates for relegation this season. This side got promoted from the Championship, but even their fans aren’t overly optimistic about their chances of staying in the Premier League for another term.
Brighton has started the new season poorly. After three rounds, they have only 1 point, which they won in the previous round. Two weeks ago, Brighton played 0:0 against Watford in an away game. They are surely hoping to achieve something similar this Saturday.
This team is yet to score a Premier League goal this season, but it seems that they’re more focused on defense than on attacking. In the last round’s clash with Watford, Brighton had one player more for most of the match as Watford’s left back, Miguel Britos received a red card in the 26th minute of the game. Still, Brighton failed to take advantage of that fact. In fact, Brighton had only two shots on Watford’s goal in that match.
WEST BROM
Last season, West Brom ended right in the middle of the Premier League table, but it seems their ambitions are even higher for this season. Right now, they’re on the 5th spot on the table, with two wins and a draw.
To be fair, West Brom had a fairly easy fixture list. So far, they played against AFC Bournemouth, Burnley, and Stoke City. They are yet to play against stronger sides, which is why they will be very motivated to take as many points as they can until then.
West Brom has a decent squad, although some players are yet to get6 in a proper form. One of their key players last season, Salomon Rondon, is still without a goal to his name after 3 matches, which is why he’s expected to give his very best on Saturday.
Unfortunately, West Brow will be without the suspended Robson-Kanu, who has been in a very good shape so far. Still, it seems that they have what it takes to outscore their opponent, with Rondon and this season’s signing, Jay Rodrigez.
Brighton vs. West Brom – Match Prediction
The quality is on the side of the visiting team, although there is no doubt that both sides will do their best to win some points in this clash. We probably won’t see too many goals, but I still believe West Brom have what it takes to take all three points. With all being said, I am taking picking the visiting team to win.
MY PICK: West Brom to win (+213)
