AFC Bournemouth will look to cause an upset this week when they travel to Emirates to face Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Cherries are winless in their last three matches and will be desperate for at least a point as they aim to maintain their mid-table status in the league standings.
Bournemouth team news
Eddie Howe will be missing the services of a host of key players this week including Simon Francis, Callum Wilson, Lewis Cook as well as Junior Stanislas. David Brooks is also unlikely to feature while Jefferson Lerma is suspended after receiving his tenth yellow card of the season against Wolves.
Predicted Bournemouth lineup vs Arsenal
Defence
With a host of key players missing out due to injuries, Howe is not expected to tinker too much with the side that secured a point against Wolves this passing weekend.
Thus, we expect both Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Smith to retain their roles as the two fullbacks while new signing Chris Mepham will continue to deputize for the injured Steve Cook, who has made more interceptions than anyone else in the team this season. The Welshman will be partnered by Nathan Ake at the heart of the four-man backline.
Ake has already made as many as 174 clearances this season and his doggedness at the back could be crucial as the visitors look to keep out the Arsenal attack tomorrow.
Artur Boruc will retain his place in between the sticks, having kept two clean sheets in just five matches this season.
Midfield
Minimal changes are expected in midfield, where the suspended Lerma will make way for Andrew Surman at the base of Bournemouth’s 4-4-1-1.
Surman will be partnered by Dan Gosling in central midfield while Jordan Ibe and Ryan Fraser will occupy the wider attacking roles. Only Joshua King has completed more dribbles than Fraser in the Bournemouth team this season and it will be interesting to see how the 25-year-old poses a threat to the Arsenal defence this week.
Attack
With Wilson ruled out, King will remain the focal point of the Bournemouth attack on Wednesday. The Norwegian international has already been involved in 12 goals this season and his offensive work-rate will be key as the visitors look to breach the Arsenal backline.
And finally, it will be Dominic Solanke, who will deputize for the injured Wilson this week. The former Liverpool starlet will be desperate to score his first goal for his new club.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
