Arsenal welcome newly-promoted side Bournemouth to the Emirates for both teams’ nineteenth league game of the season, as the league approaches the half-way mark.
The Gunners failed to capitalise on the shortcomings of Leicester at Anfield two days ago, instead being thrashed 4-0 by Southampton at their bogey ground of St. Mary’s. It was a poor showing by a lacklustre Arsenal team, as they were drawn out all over the pitch whilst being exposed time and time again by what was an out-of-form Southampton side going into this match-up. Despite three of the goals having had dubious moments in each of the build-ups, it doesn’t mask the fact that Arsène Wenger’s team frankly bottled a great chance to go top of the table, making the overall aim more drawn out and ultimately harder. Nevertheless, the North London side are only two points behind Leicester City, and with Claudio Ranieri’s men facing the team just below Arsenal in the table (Manchester City), this upcoming game presents the perfect chance for Arsenal to amend their previous mistakes and respond in front of the home crowd.
The opposition, the second South Coast-based team Arsenal will play in three days, will be in high spirits in their camp. The Cherries sit in a fairly comfortable 14th in the league, retaining Eddie Howe’s philosophy of quick, stylish football despite the obvious increase in quality that his men would have to face every week. As a result, Bournemouth’s first season in the top division is proving to be a successful one so far, with wins against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, with the players in red and black on top form with, currently, a six-match unbeaten streak. Given that both teams played only two days ago, the fight and passion Howe has instilled into his men might be enough to give Arsenal a run for their money, especially as their London opponents are in poor form.
A player Arsenal need to watch out for is Adam Smith. The full-back has been great in the attacking proceedings for Bournemouth so far this season, and the Englishman is no stranger to bombing forward and adding an extra presence for the opposition to deal with. Smith has already notched a few goals this season and is comfortable and powerful on the ball. My concern is that this ex-Spurs player could take advantage of this fatigued Arsenal back-line by overloading its left side, causing it to break down and give Bournemouth a sight at goal. The likes of Nacho Monreal and the Arsenal centre-backs must be keeping a careful watch of this explosive player.
A player Bournemouth should watch out for is Aaron Ramsey. With reports Özil may not play the whole game or might not even start, the Welshman will be seen as the driving force to the team Wenger will pick. His great stamina as a box-to-box player will suit him well in a game where the other players may feel sluggish and off the pace. His direct and influential style will suit Wenger well, who’s looking to make a statement following Arsenal’s 4-0 loss two days ago.
Match facts
– Before Bournemouth’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, the Cherries hadn’t been involved in a goal-less draw for 29 league games.
– These two teams have only ever played each other once in recorded history – in what was a 3-0 League Cup win for Arsenal back in 1987, at Highbury.
– Arsenal are unbeaten in 7 home matches, their last defeat at the Emirates being on opening day vs West Ham.
– The Gunners haven’t lost against a newly-promoted side in their last 21 matches of the sort.
– Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten in six Premier League matches.
– His side have also conceded the most goals from set-pieces this season (12), giving hope to the likes of Olivier Giroud and Per Mertesacker.
– To end off on a slightly bizarre note, Mathieu Flamini has never lost a home game in an Arsenal shirt (in 52 matches), although there’s no guarantee if he’ll start today.
For Eddie Howe, his young Norwegian Josh King remains sidelined, although Lee Tomlin could return from a groin problem. The coach must decide whether Harry Arter is fit to play following being returned back to the starting line-up on Boxing Day for a cameo following his return from injury. Callum Wilson and Tyrone Mings are still out injured.
Predicted XIs
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Monreal; Ramsey, Chambers; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Özil, Walcott; Giroud.
Bournemouth (4-1-4-1): Boruc; Smith, Distin, Cook, Daniels; Surman; Ritchie, Gosling, O’Kane, Stanislas, Murray.
