Arsenal will face a spirited Bournemouth side this Sunday, February 7th.
This is a crucial game for the Gunners following a poor stretch of results since they mounted the top of the Premier League weeks ago. Winning once in their last six Premier League appearances, the team has slipped to fourth in the league and have not scored in three league matches.
Manager Arsene Wenger will more than likely trust his veteran players to turn the tide in their favor and secure not only a goal but three points on the road.
Probable starting lineup for Arsenal: Cech, Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Bellerin, Ramsey, Coquelin, Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud
Mertesacker and Coquelin make their return to the pitch after being rested against Southampton. Many scratched their heads at playing Flamini over new signing Elneny and Coquelin against Southampton. Wenger defended his choice by saying his new player needed time to adjust to a new style of play and that Coquelin needed time to rest.
With so much on the line this coming Sunday against Bournemouth Wenger may shake things up and go all out for the three points. Wenger himself described Elneny as a box-to-box midfielder and showed that ability in his team debut against Burnley.
If Wenger is to change things up and try to force the game in his favor the starting lineup may look a bit different: Cech, Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Bellerin, Elneny, Coquelin, Sanchez, Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott
The biggest change her is in midfield and in the striker position. Giroud seemingly plays his best as a substitute so leaving him on the bench to start the contest isn’t a massive loss. Walcott’s speed is always huge for a team like Arsenal that has such skilled midfielders to play through balls and play into his strengths.
This opens a spot for Elneny who showed in his first appearance that he is not shy about getting involved in the attack as well. While the first lineup is more likely, Arsenal may look to change things up considering their recent form, goal
This also pushes Aaron Ramsey higher up the pitch and will allow him to focus more on his preferred attacking position than as a two-way player.
While the first lineup is more likely, Arsenal may look to change things up considering their recent form, goal output and results.
