Arsenal will host Watford in their next Premier League fixture on Wednesday, and it could turn out to be a pretty entertaining game.
The Gunners picked up a 2-0 win at home against Southampton, while the Cherries mustered a draw against Wolves in what was a hotly contested affair.
It is an important week for Unai Emery’s side in their quest to secure a top-four finish as they have an important north London derby coming up during the weekend and need the winning momentum before that fixture.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s side have collected just one point from their last three league outings, and will be desperate to put in a strong performance against the Gunners.
Here are three key battles that might decide the outcome of the game.
#3 Alexandre Lacazette vs Nathan Ake
Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette has been in a top form this season, having plundered 11 goals and five assists in 26 Premier League outings.
The Frenchman’s link-up play with his teammates in the final third has been a key feature of his game this season, and Nathan Ake will have to foil most of that if Bournemouth are to stop Arsenal from scoring.
Ake has been solid in the central defence, and has featured in every single game for the Cherries. The Dutchman will have to keep a close eye on Lacazette.
#2 Sead Kolasinac vs Jordan Ibe
Sead Kolasinac has been one of the best players under Emery, but only from an attacking perspective. He rampages forward with great drive, but does have room for improvement with respect to his defending.
The Bosnian international has to make his presence felt down the left once again and he will be also be tasked with the responsibility of nullifying Jordan Ibe in the midweek fixture.
Ibe has shown flashes of quality this season, but he needs to be consistent. The 23-year-old has to be patient to exploit Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses and test Kolasinac during the counter-attacks.
#1 Sokratis vs Josh King
Josh King caused problems to Wolves’ defensive line with his darting runs and excellent vision, and he will look to do the same against the north London outfit.
King has scored nine goals in 24 league games, and in the absence of Callum Wilson, he has played an instrumental role for the Cherries in the offensive sector.
Sokratis isn’t the fastest, even though he is pretty good at reading the game. If King gets a free run at the Greek international, it could spell trouble for Arsenal.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored