Arsene Wenger seemed positive in his pre-match statements despite the slow start against PSG in the week. Lady Luck might be on the Londoners’ side this year as Arsenal are unbeaten since the 20th of August even with some poor performances that could have cost them a lot of points. The schedule is also in the Gunners’ favor as Manchester City remains the only truly difficult adversary Wenger will have to face until the end of the year.
The Frenchman who struggled to find the perfect formation for the past three games stated the following as reported by the BBC:
“I believe we have to find our game back. We didn’t lose but if you do not create, that will not last.
“It’s important that we find our simplicity, speed and pacey combinations back.
“We missed that fluency, and that security in our decision-making that made us dangerous in the final third a little bit. That is what is at stake for us.”
It is true that since the draw against Tottenham, Arsenal have had some good moments especially during the end of the games. But will that be enough to beat Bournemouth? The answer is yes, despite the fact that the Cherries have signed some pretty interesting players this season. Jack Wilshere would be one of those players to look out for if not for his loan deal which does not allow him to play against his parent club.
In terms of injuries both lots have to deal with important absences. Bellerin, Perez, Akpom, Mertesacker, Welbeck and Cazorla remain unavailable. Fortunately, Arsenal have a strong lot which can step up at any time. The only difficulties could come from Jenkinson whose lack of time on pitch makes him a bit less secure than Bellerin.
On the other side Bournemouth are not able to use Wilshere, Boruc, Ibe, Surman and Cook. They do have players who could prove dangerous. Stanislas and Wilson have scored 3 goals each and might cause some trouble to the defense.
Arsenal are expected to start with Giroud up front who will be replacing Iwobi apparently. The youngster’s form has not the best recently and Wenger will return to a formation that uses Sanchez on the left, Walcott on the right and Giroud up front. Xhaka will also be included in the lot over Elneny or Coquelin. Ramsey is also expected to start as he needs time on the pitch to get back in top shape.