Arsenal face the tough task of a second Premier League game in the space of 48 hours when they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Arsene Wenger’s side have won their previous two league fixtures and go into Tuesday’s game full of confidence knowing that they can close the gap on Chelsea to six points before Wednesday’s London derby between the Blues and Tottenham.
Arsenal face a Cherries side who are without on loan midfielder Jack Wilshere due to the terms of his loan contract from Wenger’s side, but former Gunners striker Benik Afobe is likely to start up front following a goalscoring performance against Swansea at the weekend.
Arsenal face a Cherries side who are without on loan midfielder Jack Wilshere due to the terms of his loan contract from Wenger’s side, but former Gunners striker Benik Afobe is likely to start up front following a goal scoring performance against Swansea at the weekend.
ARSENAL INJURIES
Germany star Mesut Ozil is a doubt for Tuesday’s game after suffering a bout of flu and a decision will be made on his involvement in the game before the team travel to Bournemouth.
Kieran Gibbs is out with a minor knee injury but could be back for the FA Cup tie with Preston on Saturday.
Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Debuchy are both still on the sidelines with long-term injuries.
ARSENAL SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal have no suspended players for this game.
ARSENAL POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP
Shkodran Mustafi is likely to start alongside Laurent Koscielny in defence after returning from injury, while it’s touch and go on whether Ozil will be ready for the game after suffering a bout of flu.
In-form striker Olivier Giroud looks set to lead the Gunners attack for the third consecutive league game and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could come in to give Alex Iwobi a breather.
Mohamed Elneny is on African Nations Cup duty so it’s expected that either Aaron Ramsey or Francis Coquelin will partner Granit Xhaka in midfield.
BOURNEMOUTH DOSSIER
Bournemouth turned over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, scoring four goals and showing exactly the kind of attacking nous which has seen Eddie Howe linked as Wenger’s successor when the Frenchman eventually leaves Arsenal.
Wilshere is unavailable due to the terms of his loan deal from Arsenal while Marc Pugh and Lewis Cook miss out through injury.
Callum Wilson is their top goalscorer with five goals in the league.
