Photo Credit - Sky Sports
Bournemouth welcome Arsenal to The Vitality Stadium after the international break, hoping to break the streak that has given the Arsenal fans hope of a top four finish this season.
The home side currently sit in sixth position, four points behind their fifth placed visitors, but have endure a tough few weeks in the Premier League. Two losses on the spin, against Manchester United and Newcastle United have seen Eddie Howes side drift from those Champions League places.
Arsenal meanwhile, are on an unbeaten streak of 16 games in all competitions, although that streak does include three draws in their last three Premier League games. Unai Emery has taken over from Arsene Wenger this season and instilled a grit and determination when underperforming that was less often seen in previous years.
Bournemouth won this fixture last season, a 2-1 victory with goals from Jordan Ibe and recent England goalscorer Callum Wilson sealing all three points. Prior to that victory The Cherries have struggled against Arsenal, failing to win any league meeting between these two sides prior to that.
Injuries are a problem for the visitors, with both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang slight doubts for the trip to the south coast. Whilst long term absentees, Stephen Lichsteiner and Danny Welbeck will miss out. Laurent Koscielny is yet to be back to full fitness so will also miss the game this weekend.
Bournemouth have concerns of their own in the physio room. With doubts over Josh King, Asmir Begovic and summer signing Jefferson Lerma. Whilst Adam Smith will be out until February with a knee injury.
Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson were both in the goals over the international break and Eddie Howe will want that form translated at club level too, if they are to end the streak Emery has his Arsenal side on.
The Gunners boss will be anxiously waiting for fitness reports on his strikeforce, with Lacazette and Aubameyang slight doubts, Emery may have to resort to fringe players to overcome a stern test in Bournemouth.
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