Arsenal return to action after the long international break where the club is looking quite fortunate these days with less players jetting round the world to represent their countries. As such, the club is seeing the benefit with fewer injuries and far less fatigue after these periods as starting players like Mesut Ozil, Alex Lacazette and Shkodran Mustafi are not featuring for their countries at the moment. Manager Unai Emery therefore, has a relatively fresh squad to choose from with only Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and Danny Welbeck as senior absentees. Stephan Lichtsteiner is being assessed and could also miss out. With the trip to the South coast in hand, Arsenal will be looking to get back to winning ways against Bournemouth and in return will distance themselves from the group below and close the gap on those above.
Arsenal
Form: W D W D D D
League Position: 5th
Goals Scored: 28
Goals Conceded: 16
Bournemouth
Form: W D W W L L
League Position: 6th
Goals Scored: 29
Goals Conceded: 19
As with recent Premier League games, Bernd Leno is expected to start in goal, whilst the full backs, at present, pick themselves. Hector Bellerin will start right side with Sead Kolasinac on the left. In the middle, the in form Rob Holding and the improving Shkodran Mustafi is the most likely partnership having seemed to oust Sokratis since the big Greek's injury. In the midfield engine room, Granit Xhaka will partner the excellent Lucas Torreira, whilst expected skipper Mesut Ozil will play in his favourite number ten position. On the flanks, free scoring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should start from the left, leaving Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mhkitaryan to fight it out for the starting right spot. Frenchman Alex Lacazette is available and is most likely to start up the middle. There will be plenty of quality in reserve though with likes of Aaron Ramsey, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Matteo Guendouzi shoe-ins for a bench spot. Arsenal of late have proved that substitutes are needed, and every single player in the current squad is capable of making a difference, one way or another.
The Cherries themselves are high flying right now. Manager Eddie Howe has them singing to his tune and with the newly awarded England international Calum Wilson upfront, they are incredibly dangerous. Although a good atmosphere, this particular fixture may actually suit Bournemouth more at the Emirates where the Gunners are usually more susceptible to the counter. However, Howe's men at home, will still fancy themselves. They proved last year that they are more than able to challenge Arsenal and get something from them, regardless of location. With the home fans behind them, as well as current good form, a dangerous finisher and hard working and well organised defence, this will be no easy game for Emery and his players.
Patience, organisation, confidence and persistence will win the Gunners this game. Blessed with better players in every postion, Arsenal should be coming away from this one with three points. It could be anything from 2-1, to 5-3 as both teams can score, and both can ship goals. Keepers - expect a busy one.
Expected lineup:
GK: Bernd Leno
RB: Hector Bellerin
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
CB: Rob Holding
LB: Sead Kolasinac
CM: Granit Xhaka
CM: Lucas Torreira
RW: Henrikh Mhkitaryan
CAM: Mesut Ozil
LW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
ST: Alex Lacazette
Prediction: 3-2 to Arsenal, with Ozil, Lacazette and Xhaka on the score sheet.
@craigbennett10
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