Preview, Team News & Players To Watch : Arsenal Vs Bournemouth

Arsenal host Bournemouth for their Super Sunday clash hoping to get their Premier League title chase bid back on track after three consecutive draws in all competitions.

Arsene Wenger’s side head back to the Emirates hoping to move up from fourth place on the table, having not won any of their last two home league games, but the visitors will be targeting at least a point based on the impressive performance at the Britannia Stadium last weekend.

That said, Arsenal are nailed on favourites to pick up their eighth win in the Premier League, according to the English Premier League odds.

The Gunners must arrest that alarming slump or face the possibility of falling six points behind leaders Chelsea who take on fifth place Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge 24 hours earlier.

The Cherries have not done historically well against Arsenal, allowing four goals and not scoring any in their last two games since being promoted in 2015.

Bournemouth, who are 10th on the log with 15 points, will have a huge boost ahead of the game with midfielder Jordon Ibe set to return having resumed training on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old missed his side’s trip to Stoke last weekend through illness but is reportedly available for selection.

Ibe has had a stuttering start to life under Eddie Howe, making 11 appearances in the league without registering an assist or scoring a goal since his £15 million move from Liverpool.

He has a shot accuracy rate of just 20% as well as winning 56% of the duels he has been involved in which will definitely be a tough battle with Arsenal midfield.

However, Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi will hope to makeup for his Champions League error after he was rested against Manchester United.

TEAM NEWS
With Hector Bellerin still out injured Carl Jenkinson is expected to keep his place at  right back.

Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns, with Santi Cazorla still sidelined alongside Per Mertesacker and Lucas Perez.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Jack Wilshere won’st play against his parent club as he is on a season-long loan at the Cherries.

Goalkeeper Arthur Boruc is back from a back injury and Bafana Bafana battling midfielder Surman may return from an ankle injury if he passes a fitness test.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Alexis Sanchez : The Chilean has been a torn in the hearts of the defenders in the EPL, his passing and eye for goal will be a herculean task for Bournemouth defenders.

Alexander Iwobi: Though disappointed for the own goal he scored against PSG in the Champions League, Iwobi’s inclusion in the team will make a big impact.

Junior Stanislas : Will be looked up to for the goals for Bournemouth. His combination with Wilson has provided the points for Eddie Howe’s side.

POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Arsenal : Cech; Jenkinson, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Xhaka; Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi; Sanchez

Bournemouth; Federici, Francis, Daniels, Cook, Ake, Gosling, Arter, Ibe, Stanislas, Wilson, King.

Niyi Adesanya

Photo Credit : arsenal.com