Premier League Gameweek 8
Oct 6, 2019 2.00pm
1
0
HT : 1 0
FT
  • David Luiz 9' goal
  • Gabriel Martinelli 72' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Philip Billing 13'
  • yellowcard Jack Stacey 29'

How Arsenal could line up against Bournemouth

How Arsenal could line up against Bournemouth

Arsenal's comfortable 4-0 win over Standard Liege in the Europa League sets them up nicely for their final game before the international break - a Premier League visit from Bournemouth.

Unai Emery fielded another young side against the Belgian outfit and the impressive performances of several players on the night may see them snapping at the heels of senior players for a starting spot, be that against the Cherries or after the break.

Gabriel Martinelli hit a second brace in as many games to put pressure on Bukayo Saka for the left-wing berth, while Kieran Tierney's performance at left-back indicated that it will only be a matter of time before the new signing replaces Sead Kolasinac in the starting lineup.

Bournemouth drew 2-2 with West Ham in an entertaining encounter in their last game, but face a much sterner test against a Gunners side unbeaten in seven competitive fixtures across all competitions.


Out: Alexandre Lacazette (ankle)

> Click here for Arsenal's full injury and suspension list ahead of this match

Bernd Leno is quite clearly Emery's first-choice goalkeeper at the moment and, despite some impressive performances from Emiliano Martinez, not enough has yet been done to change that, meaning that the German will start between the sticks.

Following the international break, the impressive performances and return to fitness of Tierney, Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin will almost inevitably see them secure starting spots, but Emery is likely to give the trio that period of time to return to full fitness, meaning the same defence that was named in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United is likely to start.

Granit Xhaka has been officially named club captain and will almost certainly start in midfield alongside the impressive Matteo Guendouzi, while club-record signing Nicolas Pepe will likely start on the right wing.

Joe Willock's increasingly impressive displays may see him earn a spot ahead of Dani Ceballos and the out-of-favour Mesut Ozil, while Saka will probably fend off the challenge of Martinelli to start on the left for another game, with talismanic striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang freed up by Lacazette's injury to play in his preferred central striking role.

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