Arsenal and Bournemouth fans could be in for a nervy ride watching Monday’s FA Cup clash, according to Michael Owen.
The former England striker is predicting a close game at the Vitality Stadium between Mikel Arteta’s Gunners and Eddie Howe’s relegation-threatened Cherries.
While Bournemouth are languishing in the Premier League’s bottom three, Owen still expects them to provide a stern test for Arsenal.
Howe’s side earned a much needed win over Brighton on Tuesday, ending a run of four straight Premier League defeats that has left them languishing in the bottom three.
Owen reckons they will push an Arsenal side still finding their feet under new manager Arteta.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
But the former Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid man reckons the Gunners will eventually have too much for their opponents, for whom Premier League survival is the number one priority.
Arsenal have drawn their last three games in the Premier League as their hopes fade of a top-four place, with their last win having come against Leeds United in the previous FA Cup round.
However, there were encouraging signs as they held out for a 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Tuesday despite having 10 men for most of the game.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Giving his predictions on the Bet Victor blog, Owen wrote: “Bournemouth bounced back to form against Brighton midweek although they remain in the relegation places in the Premier League, and maintaining their elite status at the end of the campaign will be Eddie Howe’s sole goal.
“There is more passion and energy in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side but they are a long way from being the finished article, although there was much to like about their draw with 10-men for much of the game at Chelsea earlier in the week.
“It promises to be a close tie, but I just think the Gunners will edge it.”
