AFC Bournemouth are back from the international break and have a mouth watering clash with Arsenal next up.
AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal
Sunday 25th November, 1.30pm
Premier League
Vitality Stadium
Arsenal head into the game unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions, but with three consecutive draws in the Premier League, they’ll be looking to get back to winning ways at Vitality Stadium.
Eight points behind Manchester City in the Premier League, the Gunners will be eyeing Sunday’s game as must-win, particularly as the Cherries sit in sixth place and four points behind them.
There were injury worries over Arsenal’s exhilarating front pair of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Lacazette was called up by France but refused due to his fitness, with Aubameyang not playing for Gabon against Mali due to a knock.
But the pair who have scored or assisted 15 goals between them this season, look set to play and that’s good news for Unai Emery’s side who have scored twice in their last three games.
Last time out
Arsenal 1-1 Wolves
Last season’s Championship winners Wolves were on the verge of a memorable win at the Emirates Stadium.
Ivan Cavaleiro gave the Midlands side the lead after 13 minutes, with Arsenal criticised for starting the game slowly.
With four minutes to go, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross-shot went all the way in to equalise, but they had goalkeeper Berndt Leno to majorly thank for the side getting a point.
The German, signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, made a superb stop to deny Adam Traore and Morgan Gibbs-White also hit the bar late on.
It wasn’t the Gunners’ finest display against Wolves who were excellent throughout, but it still maintained the unbeaten run heading into Sunday’s game.
Line up (4-3-1-2): Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac; Torreira, Xhaka, Iwobi, Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette.
2018/19 top scorer: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The manager
Unai Emery joined Arsenal in the summer and the pressure was huge on the Spaniard after taking over from Arsene Wenger.
But the former PSG manager has given Arsenal a new aura, not just for the unbeaten run of 16 games in all competitions, but for the swagger of their approach.
His honours list is an impressive one, winning Ligue 1 with PSG and three Europa League titles with Sevilla.
He’s brought a feel-good factor back to the club and his attacking intent will surely be on display once again on Sunday.
Key stats
Arsenal have won nine points from losing positions in the Premier League this season.
The Gunners have only ever lost to the Cherries once, but have not won in their last two trips to Vitality Stadium.
Despite defeat against Manchester United last time at home, the Cherries have not lost consecutive games at Vitality Stadium since August 2017.
Substitutes could be key for Arsenal, seven goals have come off the bench this season for the Gunners, the most of anyone in the Premier League.
