Arsenal host draw-specialist Bournemouth as title race heads into final stretch
Arsenal sit nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and have won four league matches in a row. A fifth consecutive victory on Saturday lunchtime would stretch that gap to 12 points over Manchester City, who do not play until Sunday's trip to Chelsea. The title feels closer than ever for Mikel Arteta's side, but Bournemouth present a stubborn test. The Cherries have drawn 15 of their 31 league matches this season, including seven on the road, and are on an 11-match unbeaten run.
Team news at the Emirates
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber both missed the Champions League win at Sporting on Tuesday but could return for Saturday's match. Eberechi Eze is also available after Arteta confirmed his return from injury, while Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapie are definitely ruled out. Arteta has enough depth to rotate, but he will want his strongest available lineup with the finishing line in sight.
Bournemouth will be without Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook. Despite those absences, Andoni Iraola's side have been tough to beat away from home all season and will back themselves to stay compact and frustrate Arsenal.
Liverpool vs Fulham at Anfield
The evening kick-off brings Liverpool against Fulham at Anfield. Arne Slot's side come into the weekend in poor form, having lost at Brighton in their last league outing and gone down 2-0 to PSG in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Liverpool sit fifth in the table, just a point ahead of Chelsea, and need to start winning again before the season slips away from them entirely.
Fulham have been solid on their travels this season and will see Anfield as a ground where Liverpool's fragile confidence could work in their favour. Mohamed Salah, who confirmed last month that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, has not been at his best in recent weeks and Slot will need his talisman to find his sharpest form for the run-in.
Elsewhere on Saturday
Brentford host Everton and Burnley welcome Brighton in the two 3pm kick-offs. Everton arrive at the Gtech Community Stadium fresh off their biggest Premier League win over Chelsea, with David Moyes's side sitting comfortably in mid-table. Brighton, meanwhile, are riding high after beating Liverpool last time out.
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