Arsenal looks to extend lead against Bournemouth in EPL action
... Chelsea hosts Manchester City in exciting showdown
Title favourites Arsenal and second-place side Manchester City will both be in action this weekend, when Arsenal host Bournemouth and Man City face a tricky away trip to Chelsea, in what could be a defining weekend in the title race.
Event # 1 –EPL– Arsenal vs Bournemouth– 6:30 AM
Arsenal has a chance to put further pressure on the chasing pack in the title race, especially Manchester City, when they host Bournemouth in the early Premier League kick off, tomorrow, Saturday, April 9. When Arsenal defeated Everton in their last league match nearly three weeks ago, they were bidding for the quadruple; however, those dreams were shattered after a shock defeat in the FA Cup to Southampton and defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup Final. But a league and Champions League title is still on the cards after they defeated Sporting Lisbon 1-0 away in a midweek Champions League first-leg quarter-final showdown. With Manchester City not playing until Sunday, Arsenal could open a 12-point gap at the top with a win at home against a Bournemouth side that seems to have hit form in recent times.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth travel to Arsenal facing a daunting task of getting even a point off an Arsenal side determined to win their first domestic title in over two decades. Indeed, Bournemouth enter this game in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in their last 12 overall matches, a run stretching back to a 3-2 defeat to their upcoming hosts in the reverse fixture in early January. However, while Bournemouth are unbeaten in 12 matches, their last three matches have all ended in draws, 0-0 with Brentford, 0-0 with Burnley and 2-2 with Manchester United. Encouragingly though, Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last six away matches, winning two and drawing four.
Key Stats
•Arsenal has won the last seven home matches on the trot.
•Bournemouth has failed to score a single goal in three of the last five matches.
•Both sides – Arsenal has won seven straight matches at home. However, when Bournemouth visited Arsenal last season they came away with a shock 2-1 win
The betting Tip.Arsenal Win.
Event # EPL– Chelsea vs Man City– 10:30 AM
Both Chelsea and their upcoming opponents Manchester City enter this mammoth Premier League clash after dominant performances in the FA Cup at the weekend, with Chelsea drubbing Port Vale 7-0 and Manchester City hammering Liverpool 4-0, yet both teams’ recent form raises questions with both experiencing inconsistencies. Chelsea has struggled against Man City in recent times, and they have endured poor run of form in the Premier League heading into this game, where they lost to Everton 3-0 and suffered consecutive losses against PSG and Newcastle, without scoring a single goal during this dismal run. At home, there’s cause for concern for Chelsea as they failed to score in two of their last three home matches, both ending in defeats. Indeed, in their last five matches, Chelsea has conceded 12 goals, which will be music to the ears of Manchester City’s sharpshooter Erling Haaland.
Meanwhile, Manchester City arrives at Stamford Bridge after a convincing 4-0 win over reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in the FA Cup last weekend, following a solid 2-0 win over Arsenal to lift the EFL Cup. Victories over these two giants reflects a team that has regained its mojo towards the backend of the season, as they continue their relentless chase of Arsenal for the Premier League title. However, in their last league game against a struggling West Ham side, they were held to a frustrating draw, but they rebounded from that disappointment to land a psychological blow against Arsenal when they beat them in the EFL final at Wembley last month.
Key Stats
•Chelsea last home win against Manchester City was back in 2020 – six years ago.
•Man City won both games against Chelsea last season (3-1 at home and 2-0 away).
•Both sides – The recent head-to-head meetings between both these sides have been dominated by Man. City, who have won four of the last five meetings, including a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture.
The betting Tip.Man City win.