"They can’t afford to slip up here" - Harry Redknapp makes prediction for Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has predicted Arsenal will beat Bournemouth 2-0 when the sides meet in the Premier League on Saturday (October 19). The Gunners travel to Vitality Stadium, sitting third in the standings, level on points with second-placed Manchester City and one short of leaders Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Cherries are 13th on the table after having racked up eight points in the first seven English top-flight matches. However, they will be facing a weakened Mikel Arteta team, who have a number of doubtful candidates.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli are some of the players who are doubtful or sidelined with injury. Despite that, Redknapp believes that the Gunners will get the job done. He told DAZN:
"I’m looking forward to this one, Bournemouth always give the top sides a good game at home. That was a disappointing loss away to Leicester and they’ve got some really tough fixtures on the way. A positive result here would be a real bonus."
He added:
"Arsenal might not be cruising to wins at the minute but they’re so hard to beat, particularly with that formidable defense. They have some huge games coming up too, they can’t afford to slip up here."
"I’d love to see Bournemouth get something from this, but I just don’t see them hurting Arsenal. 2-0."
While Redknapp named Kai Havertz as the player to watch, the German is also an uncertain figure to feature in this tie. He's currently nursing a knee problem after having netted six times in 10 matches across competitions this campaign.
Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka's injury
To the delight of Arsenal fans, the team's manager, Mikel Arteta, has clarified that Bukayo Saka did not pick up a serious injury while on international duty. The winger has been brilliant for the Gunners this season.
From 10 appearances across competitions, Saka has managed to score three goals and bag seven assists. Providing an update about the winger, Arteta said (via Sky Sports):
"It is not a serious injury. He is evolving really well. He has done things in the last two days but we are hopeful. We have a training session later [on Friday] and he did some bits [on Thursday]."
Moreover, Arteta does not have other left-footed wide players to turn to in Saka's absence. He would have to use one of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard or Raheem Sterling in the 23-year-old's place.
