Bournemouth v Arsenal – confidence is high that Arsenal will qualify for the FA Cup fifth round
Mikel Arteta has done a good job as Arsenal manager so far and he will be keen to have a long run in the FA Cup this season.
Having survived the last round against an impressive Leeds United and then coming from behind to draw 2-2 against Chelsea in their last league game despite being a man down, they will head into this game in confident mood.
Arteta won two FA Cups with Arsenal as a player and has made it clear that he will be taking the competition seriously.
It is highly likely that Arteta will field a strong team against the Cherries and will be desperate to avoid any other result than a clear win.
I am expecting Arteta to send the lads out very positive with an attack-minded attitude and with the likes of Pepe, Lacazette and the irresistible Martinelli set to start then goals should be on the menu.
Obviously the FA Cup is a competition where underdogs can have their day, just look at Shrewsbury yesterday against Liverpool, however, these are two Premier League teams and I am not expecting this to be one of those classic cup games but more a typical league game.
Bournemouth is dangerous but right now, they are in a mess, they may have won their last home game 3-1 over Brighton but they remain in the relegation zone and that may well affect how they approach this game.
You have to think their focus will be on their upcoming Premier League game at the weekend at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa. In fact, I would not be surprised if they rest players for this game. They play on Saturday and therefore have a day less of rest compared to Arsenal.
For me, Arsenal will be more up for this game, they have far more momentum than Bournemouth, the team is playing a lot better and I have to be honest, anything less than a win would be disappointing.
Predicted Score
Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal will win this one by a 1-3 martinelli to score brace
I would prefer Nketiah to Lacazette up front, and Caballos in place of Özil. Picking Özil is not picking the strongest team, and Lacazette no longer knows where the goal is. Seniority and experience without drive, passion and legs is not working.
The only team that can rest its best players but still can have a good team on the pitch is man city(in the EPL).
Apart from them every team will rest a player or two when it comes to domestic trophies,but you cant gamble.Look what happened to liverpool😅😂(Still feel very happyyyy).Bournemouth are a mid table team so FA cup is a major thing for them so i think they will go with a pretty strong team.I know they are in a relegation battle but the next matchday is on saturday so plenty of days to rest players if you want to.
We are presently a mid table team too and it’s a major thing for us.
I expect Martinelli to score again if he starts
I am a little apprehensive… can’t help it, we’re away from home… be a while before I shake this mindset!!
It’s a cup game and anything can happen – isn’t that so, Liverpool?! – the draw will be done before (during the One show)…. COYG
This is all irrelevant conversation as it is no way to predict without seeing formation. If we don’t play in a 4-1 with Luiz or Xhaka sitting infront of CBs, we will have same result for same laim formation with 2 midfields Xhaka – torreira both defending. Makes it impossible to play ball forward with no transition in middle. One player must sit n CBs and the other can focus playing forward. Called balance, Arteta so far has fail into pickng a team. Pairing Luiz Sokratis or Mustafi for same catastrophy over & over. That is unreal whem we have better talent I Mav & holding! Let’s see his formation, same losing one or new at last! Then we can try to predict!
l think were due a big win 3-0 if all things even for us.
Meaning ref doesnt screw us as the norm.
Well don’t bet on the ref 😆