Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would have been delighted with the spirit and organisation that was on show at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday and the Gunners head into the FA Cup tie against Bournemouth confident of getting a result.
The Cherries, meanwhile, ended a run of abysmal form with a much-needed 3-1 win over Brighton midweek, but with Premier League survival their priority, they should be there for the taking.
Arsenal do, however, have a number of injuries and suspensions which could cause them issues. Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang serves the last game of his three-match ban, while David Luiz starts his suspension after being sent off against Chelsea.
There is some better news on the injury front. Sokratis should return from illness to start in place of Luiz, but Sead Kolasinac (thigh), Reiss Nelson (hamstring), Kieran Tierney (shoulder) and Calum Chambers (knee) are all sidelined.
Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Bournemouth:
Martinez, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Holding, Saka, Guendouzi, Ceballos, Xhaka, Pepe, Nketiah, Martinelli
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is still without seven first-team players. Josh King, Jack Stacey (both hamstring), Danjuma Groeneveld (ankle), Junior Stanislas (calf), Charlie Daniels (knee), David Brooks (ankle) and Chris Mepham (knee) are all unavailable.
Bournemouth’s Predicted XI:
Boruc, Smith, Francis, Simpson, Kelly, Wilson, Cook, Surman, Gosling, Fraser, Solanke
At the bookmakers, Arsenal are the favourites with Ladbrokes pricing them at 10/11. A draw is currently 13/5 with Unibet while a Bournemouth victory is 16/5 at Betfair.
Predicted Score – 2-0 to Arsenal