Bournemouth
(Form check: LWLLW)
Bournemouth FC have had a cracking season, currently laying in 10th place they’ve cemented their position as one of England’s Premier League Clubs, including some real highs such as their 4-3 win over Liverpool in December.
At home Bournemouth have won 50% of games this season so for travelling teams heading to Dean Court they know they’ve got a fight on their hands! The Cherries have also scored in each but one making the odds on them scoring @ 4/9 (with Betfred – Bet Here!) look promising indeed. If you fancy and even stronger home performance Bournemouth to score more than 2 can be backed @ 21/10 (with Coral – Bet Here!).
We all know that Bournemouth can play attractive football but Eddie Howe has added another string to their bow this season, a solid back line that has kept 6 clean sheets this season. It’ll be hard for more of the same in this game but that makes the odds even more attractive for a home clean sheet @ 9/2 (with Bet365 – Bet Here!).
The two main stay defenders who are really showing their Premier League credentials are Steve Cook and Simon Francis. They’ve played every minute of every game showing the Cherrie faithful what determination and hard training can deliver. Between them they’ve even contributed 5 goals this season (that’s 20% of total Bournemouth goals!) and can be back at 16/1 & 20/1 respectively* (with Bet365 – Bet Here!) for an anytime goal.
Arsenal
(Form check: WLLWW)
After consecutive December away loses Arsenal returned to winning form with home wins against West Brom and Crystal Palace. In all honestly the fixtures worked out particularly well for them as their run of bad form could of well continued if they had played more in form teams. Today they can be backed @ 17/20 (with Betfred – Bet Here!) which considering they’ve beaten the Cherries on their last three outings makes them accumulator banker material.
Taking the recent plaudits is Oliver Giroud, especially after his ‘scorpion’ volley last time out. He’s now scored in Arsenals last four games, a significant turn in form. He’s available @ 41/10 (with Unibet – Bet Here!) to score first but he’ll need to make sure he’s starting first, better keep those wage slips open up until the team news is released.
Mesut Ozil missed Sundays match and looks set to return and Theo Walcott remains out with a calf injury, whilst Aaron Ramsey tries to force his way back into the starting line up. Arsenal boast the 4th highest away possession percentage (55.4%) and the 3rd highest passing success rate (83.2%) so both players will be welcome additions with their technical ability. Ramsey has received two yellows in two appearances though which make odds of 13/4 to be booked (with Unibet – Bet Here!), an enticing bet.
STATS
- Arsenal average 15.3 shots on goal per game (Premier League).
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Bournemouth's last 7 games (Premier League).
- Callum Wilson is Bournemouth’s top goal scorer with 5 goals (Premier League).
- Bournemouth sit 3rd in the fair play league (29Y, 1R) (Premier League).
- Alexis Sanchez has contributed to 29% of Arsenals total goals (Premier League).
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CURRENT MATCH ODDS (BEST PRICED ODDS)
Bournemouth: 15/4 (bet365 - Bet Here!) Draw: 37/13 (Unibet - Bet Here!) Arsenal: 17/20 (Betfred - Bet Here!)
SUMMING UP!
I fancy the Arsenal away win in this, even though they had a little blip I think the calibre of their players will see off the Bournemouth boys in a busy period. The return of a couple of key players in Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey is just the perfect tonic for Arsene Wenger and his team to kick start their 2017 campaign off to a flyer. Bournemouth play attractive attacking football which should make a good game to watch from the neutral.
MY RECOMMENDED BETS
- Aaron Ramsey to score first (10/1 with Unibet – Bet Here!).
- Arsenal to win 3-1 (14/1 with William Hill – Bet Here!).
- Arsenal to score over 2 goals (3/4 with Coral – Bet Here!).
- Bournemouth to have most corners (11/10 with Bet365 – Bet Here!).
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Click to ClaimFrancois is one of Howtobet4free’s co-founders and has written many of Howtobet4free’s popular Betting Guides. Francois also helps run the @howtobet4free_ Twitter account
