Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth face off at the Emirates Stadium on May 3 as the Gunners fight to consolidate second place on the Premier League table.
The Cherries have different objectives but remain keen on causing an upset in North London. There is so much to play for.
Arsenal fought the good fight but came up short again in their bid to clinch that elusive 14th Premier League title and will likely have to settle for second place for a third successive season.
Liverpool sit 13 points clear of Arsenal at the summit with five games left at the time of writing and only need a win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to secure the title.
Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta and his men cannot take their foot off the gas as there is a fiercely-contested battle for the remaining UEFA Champions League places they must avoid getting sucked into.
On the other hand, AFC Bournemouth have already broken the record they set last season for their most points in a Premier League season (48).
However, with a handful of games left, they are hungry for more, potentially a place in Europe.
Bournemouth are eight points off seventh place on the league log. Seventh will likely be enough for a Europa Conference League slot, and Andoni Iraola’s side cannot rest on their laurels.
Bournemouth know that every point counts. They will be eager to spring a surprise in North London and keep their continental hopes alive.
The Cherries stunned the North Londoners earlier this season, and Arteta’s men want revenge, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
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Head to Head
A 3-0 beatdown at the Emirates in May was the fourth successive loss Bournemouth had suffered in the top flight at the hands of Arsenal.
However, Bournemouth shocked fans and pundits with a 2-0 win over Arsenal in October. William Saliba received his marching orders early, leaving his team shorthanded.
Bournemouth struggled to break Arsenal down despite the extra man advantage but found the breakthrough on 70 through Ryan Christie.
Justin Kluivert ensured the win, comfortably dispatching a penalty nine minutes later.
It was only their second victory over Arsenal in the Premier League following their win versus the Gunners in January 2018.
Arsenal will back themselves to enact revenge on Bournemouth, but the Cherries are tricky customers and can frustrate those plans.
Best XIs
Arsenal
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya remains one of the best in the business. He has been a cornerstone for Arsenal this season and should be in the starting line-up when the Cherries visit the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Ben White is up to full speed and should take his usual place at right-back. The England international is in line to partner Saliba and Jakub Kiwior in central defence.
Gabriel Magalhaes has been sidelined by injury, but Kiwior has impressed in his absence and will likely take the starting berth with Arsenal wunderkind Myles Lewis-Skelly on his left side.
The midfield of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard is a perfect blend of steel, stamina, and creativity.
They blow teams out of the water, technically and physically. The trio will control the engine room against Bournemouth.
Up top, midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to lead the line. The Spaniard has enjoyed a new lease of life as a striker and will play a pivotal role for the Gunners in attack.
Wing wizards Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka flank Merino, bringing creativity and flair to open the stubborn Bournemouth rearguard.
It is worth noting that Arsenal have two Champions League semi-final games against Paris Saint-Germain sandwiching this Bournemouth fixture, and might rotate heavily with the Premier League title already lost.
(4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Bournemouth
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been a revelation for Bournemouth following his loan move from Chelsea, and the Cherries are working to make the deal permanent.
He will be the last line of defence against Arsenal.
Adam Smith and Milos Kerkez usually hold down the full-back spots. The latter has caught the attention of Premier League giants with his performances this season. Chelsea and Liverpool want to sign him.
Calm and composed jewel Dean Huijsen complements no-nonsense, tough-tackling Illya Zabarnyi in central defence. The pair have a massive job as they try to stave off the Arsenal attackers.
Hardworking midfield duo Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook screen the backline. They also form the base from which the other four forwards can spring attacks.
Ahead of them, Dango Ouattara, Kluivert, and Antoine Semenyo are dangerous counterattacking forces that Arsenal must be wary of.
They can execute fast breaks in a blink, capitalising on turnovers.
They have run many teams ragged and will be out to claim another scalp at the Emirates. Arsenal must stay alert to avoid getting caught out.
Young Brazilian striker Evanilson starts up top and is a handful for any defence in the league.
He is not the most prolific, but his relentless pressure and impressive movement mean Arsenal must constantly keep an eye on him. He keeps defences honest and punishes lapses.
(4-2-3-1): Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Tavernier, Sinisterra; Evanilson.
Ticket Information
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How to Watch in the United Kingdom
Follow every thrilling moment of the 2024/25 Premier League season across Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video.
Sky Sports leads the way with coverage of 128 live matches. TNT Sports follows with 52 exciting games. Amazon Prime Video offers 20 exclusive fixtures available only on its platform.
Whichever way you tune in, there is no shortage of ways to catch your favourite team in action.
