Bournemouth v Arsenal tips: Premier League best bets and preview

By Jake Osgathorpe

Cricket

Sat August 20, 2022 · 3y ago

Arsenal travel south to take on Bournemouth this Saturday. Jake Osgathorpe previews the game and selects his best bet.

Football betting tips: Premier League

1.5pts Under 2.5 Goals at 11/10 (General)

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook

Is the Arsenal hype to be believed?

They have definitely improved thanks to their business in the summer transfer window, but I am yet to be convinced that they are the real deal - a potential title contender and/or top four lock.

Victory at Crystal Palace was just about deserved but far from convincing (xG: CRY 1.22-1.49 ARS) and a comfortable home win over a hapless defensive team in Leicester aren't enough to convince me just yet.

Kick-off time: 17:30 BST, Saturday

TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event

Bournemouth 15/2 | Draw 15/4 | Arsenal 4/11

I am not an Arsenal hater. I'm just not yet at the stage of a believer, and that won't change even if the Gunners win here, but a convincing win at Bournemouth and a convincing performance would have the radar ticking further to 'believer'.

At home Mikel Arteta's side really are at an elite level, but away from home they haven't hit the levels required to make them appear as a force.

Last season they ranked as the seventh best away team in the league based on xP and ninth on xGD, averaging just 1.22 xGF per away game.

Their road win at Palace was another in which they didn't create a lot of chances, with Arteta's team seemingly taking a more cautious approach than when playing away than at the Emirates.

In Bournemouth they face a team who have shown plenty defensively this season, limiting Aston Villa to 0.69 xGA and then, despite conceding four at the Etihad, allowed just 1.68 xGA against Manchester City.

While looking decent enough at the back, the Cherries have struggled greatly in attack, generating a combined 0.74 xGF in their two games.

All of that means it is incredibly unlikely Scott Parker's side will create and score here, and with their likely defensive approach coupled with Arsenal's unconvincing process away from home, UNDER 2.5 GOALS makes plenty of appeal at odds against.