Arsenal host AFC Bournemouth in their first Premier League game since the dramatic 2-0 victory over Everton last month.
Since claiming the three points which kept the Gunners’ quadruple dreams alive, Mikel Arteta’s side have had to settle for a double at the maximum after bowing out of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
A 1-0 first-leg win over Sporting Lisbon has put Arsenal within touching distance of a UEFA Champions League semi-final, but before that fantasy can be visited, they must secure the three points against the Cherries.
Arsenal set to be without their creative spark
With both Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze set to be absent from the Arsenal squad on Saturday, who will take on the creative burden?
The most likely answer would be Kai Havertz, who has shown positive signs since returning from a significant injury earlier this year.
Havertz can play in behind or alongside Viktor Gyokeres and did the former against Sporting, where he bagged the winning goal in second-half stoppage time.
(Credit: Alex Pantling - UEFA/ GettyImages)
However, Andoni Iraola’s side has proven hard to defeat since the turn of the year. In fact, their last loss came at the hands of Arsenal, a 3-2 defeat in the embryonic stages of 2026.
It is likely that the Gunners will need to be on top form to secure victory. Havertz and Gyokeres will have to conjure up a good partnership whilst the side’s creative livewires are absent.
Can the Gunners rebuild their momentum?
Two losses on either side of the international break, one of which was the Carabao Cup final, meant that Arsenal had to dwell on their mistakes, stealing away precious momentum.
The victory on Tuesday helped relieve some pressure, but collecting points in the league is now crucial. With at least a six-point gap over Manchester City, it is important that the Gunners don’t throw their rivals any opportunity to further reduce the deficit.
One thing that favours the Citizens is their lack of European football. Arsenal will likely have to endure more high-intensity weeks in which they face Europe’s elite, while Pep Guardiola’s men can focus on closing down the North Londoners.
Arteta’s men have a favourable run-in, so they must capitalise. But, after the Cherries, they must not lose to City, otherwise their whole season may come crashing down.