Arsenal’s much-awaited preseason tour begins as they face Premier League rivals Bournemouth in California, USA.
For Arsenal, this is the first of 3 clashes against Premier League rivals in USA soil, after which they will then be traveling back to North London for the Emirates Cup games, hosting Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon, following which they will officially start their Premier League campaign against Wolves.
Bournemouth will be heading home after this fixture to face La Liga sides Rayo Vallecano and Girona before starting their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal started their preparations for another title charge with a solid 2-0 victory in a behind-closed doors friendly vs. Leyton Orient, with Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe netting the goals. As Arsenal warm up for their preseason games, they’ll look to forget the heartbreaking final day title miss and look to build on their resilient performances from last season.
Iraola’s Bournemouth is ready for this fixture after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Wrexham last weekend. A goal from Sensei and an unfortunate own goal from Hill ended the evening evenly. The Cherries looked very promising last season under Iraola’s guidance, albeit they finished 12th in the league. With their reliant poacher, Dominic Solanke, leading the attacking line for the Cherries, everything certainly seems doable.
Pre-season games are known to be trailers, typically trial-and-error methods in order to prepare for what is to be expected from the sides in the upcoming season. A game that will be taken with equal status to prove the progress being made under the lights off season.
When and Where?
Date: 25th July 2024, Thursday.
Time: 3:30 AM BST
Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, California
Team News:
Across the USA preseason tour, Arsenal will play without a few key players who played their part in the recent Euro 24, namely Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Aaron Ramsdale, and David Raya. However, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalheas are expected to return for the tour after this fixture.
Arsenal’s versatile Japanese defender Tomiyasu and Scottish Tierney haven’t traveled with the squad as they are assessing their respective injuries. That being said, Arsenal are traveling with a pack of youth talents from the academy and also new talents like Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard, who are all expected to get minutes.
On the other hand, Bournemouth will have most of their key players playing a part in the games, some who’ve even played their part in national team colors at the Euro 24 and Copa America. Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal are both out due to injuries.
Pre-match tactical analysis:
Although Arsenal won’t go into the fixture with a fully strengthened squad, the quality and depth Arteta’s boys can produce is undeniable. Arteta’s tactical experiments are known to be first implemented in the preseason friendlies, which are then gone on to be tried in the competitive games the following season.
Subtle changes in the dynamics, experiments, and improvements from the squad from last season are expected in this game. Youth players from both setups will look to emerge ahead of others and impress their respective managers with the opportunity.
Iraola’s strongest ammunition, namely Solanke, Christie, Zabarnyi, Semenyo, and Sensei, will be relied on to get a result under the hot circumstances in California.
Arsenal have the upper hand going into this fixture and will look to start in winning ways as they have huge clashes against Manchester United and Liverpool coming their way.
Preseason games are known for their unpredictable yet competitive nature, and this game could just be that. Both teams are expected to lock in and go head-to-head as they prepare for another thrilling campaign in the Premier League early next month.
Key Players:
Emile Smith Rowe:
ESR has been one of Hale End’s brightest talents in recent years, renowned for his incredible ball-carrying ability. Smith Rowe’s vision and ability to break channels in order to find players and also have a crack at goal make him a key player. His composure on the ball and quick feet let him get the better of pressurized situations and are expected to do the same against Bournemouth.
Dominic Solanke:
Solanke’s elite understanding of the game, subtle movements in the box, and deadly finishing make him a player to watch out for. Netting 19 goals in the Premier League for Bournemouth speaks of his all-phase ability to be relied upon. His intelligent movements in/out of possession and ability to drop deep and play passes will give the Cherries different routes in progress.
Predicted Line Ups:
Arsenal predicted line-up vs Bournemouth: Hein; White,Heaven, Kiwior, Timber; Partey, Smith Rowe, Odegaard; Vieira, Jesus, Nketiah
Bournemouth predicted line-up vs Arsenal: Travers; Smith, Zabaryni, Hill, Kerkez; Cook, Scott; Semenyo, Billing, Tavernier; Solanke
