After picking up a lucky point right at the end at the Old Trafford last weekend, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are back in action this weekend as they welcome a spirited Bournemouth side for an exciting clash in the domestic league. The Cherries bounced back from the loss to Sunderland with a victory over Stoke last weekend but they will face a tough task against an Arsenal side that is trying to find some consistency. The Gunners are fresh from a tiring draw against PSG but with a place in the top-4 of the points table beckoning, they will have to be at their best and take all three points from this weekend.
Here is the predicted lineup that Wenger might field for this game against the Cherries:
Team News:
Chuba Akpom, Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Santi Cazorla are long-term absentees for Wenger who will not welcome them back into the squad before this game. They remain the only injury concerns for Wenger who is expected to field a similar lineup on the night.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Petr Cech:
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal, Cech has been one of their best players this season and he should start this game at the weekend.
Carl Jenkinson:
Though not world class, the January buy for Wenger did a decent job on the wing against Manchester United and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Laurent Koscielny:
The French defender is one of the most consistent players in his position in the Premier League and he should start this game at the heart of the defense for the Gunners.
Shkodran Mustafi:
The German has also been in sublime form for Wenger this season and he should start this game alongside Koscielny this weekend.
Nacho Monreal:
The first-choice full-back for Wenger, Monreal adds a bit of balance to the squad and he should start this game against the Cherries.
Francis Coquelin:
The first choice midfielder for Wenger in the last few games, Coquelin has done some good job in the middle of the park for the Gunners and should keep his place in the side against the Cherries.
Granit Xhaka:
Though made only a substitute appearance in the Champions League, Xhaka adds a bit of a mettle at the back for the Gunners and will be back to the starting lineup at the weekend.
Theo Walcott:
Finding it hard in the last few games, the English winger has lost a bit of the sparkling form from early this season but he should start on the wing for the Gunners against the Cherries.
Mesut Ozil:
After a disappointing game against Manchester United in the last round, Ozil will be hoping to get back to his best this weekend facing a relatively comfortable test against Bournemouth.
Alex Iwobi:
Though had a forgettable moment against PSG, Iwobi is still an exciting player and Wenger will surely give him another chance against Bournemouth this weekend.
Alexis Sanchez:
Though started on the wing against PSG, Sanchez, who was ineffective in that position, should be back leading the line for the Gunners in the domestic league.