Following their 4-0 win over Standard Liege in the Europa League on Thursday, Arsenal will host Bournemouth on Sunday in their next Premier League fixture.
Unai Emery’s men might have shown in patches that they are a good side, especially in attack, but still have plenty of work to do. Currently, the Gunners are fourth in the Premier League standings, with 12 points from 7 games.
Arsenal secured a point against Manchester United at the Old Trafford in their last league outing, and will hope for a win when they take on Bournemouth.
Arsenal Team News
Alexandre Lacazette is still out with an ankle injury and is expected to return after the international break.
Emile Smith Rowe is also unlikely to be available after having suffered a concussion last week against Nottingham Forest.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Bernd Leno was on the bench against Standard Liege, but the German shot-stopper is set to return to the Arsenal lineup for their upcoming clash.
Sokratis and David Luiz could start in the central defence. The two veteran defenders have been far from their best this season and have attracted a lot of criticism from the fans, so they will have a tough outing against Callum Wilson and Joshua King.
As Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are yet to attain full fitness, Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are likely to start as the full-backs.
Midfield
Emery has shown a lot of faith in Granit Xhaka despite his mistakes and inconsistent performances. The Swiss international was named the club captain a few days back, and is expected to start in the central midfield.
Alongside Xhaka, energetic French midfield Matteo Guendouzi could get the nod to start. The 20-year-old had a decent game against Manchester United in the last league game as he won 2 aerial duels and mustered 4 tackles.
Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos could start as the central attacking midfielder in the Arsenal lineup.
Ceballos will be primarily tasked with the responsibility of unlocking Bournemouth’s defence with his clever passes and shrewd movements.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in a red-hot form this season and has bailed his side out of trouble on many occasions. The forward has plundered 7 goals in 7 Premier League outings so far and should start up front in the Arsenal lineup.
Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Sako could start on the wings. The two have shown plenty of potential, and Emery will hope they can deliver the goods in the final third soon.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
