Predicted Arsenal XI to face Bournemouth in the Premier League

Arsenal stormed 4-0 past Belgian giants Standard Liege on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Europa League and the Gunners will be looking to continue their winning ways when they play host to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Unai Emery’s side are currently placed 4th in the standings and they will be strong favourites to bag all three points at home against the Cherries after being held to a 1-1 draw away at Man United in their previous league outing.

Bournemouth, though, are capable of pulling off a few surprises as they have shown in recent times and Eddie Howe’s side will be hopeful of coming away with a positive result after a 2-2 draw against West Ham last week.

Team News

Unai Emery is expected to make radical changes to the eleven that thrashed Standard Liege in the Europa League, while Alexandre Lacazette continues to nurse an ankle injury.

Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding all featured on Wednesday, as they continue to regain full fitness after returning from long spells on the sidelines and Emery will have all three of them available for selection on Sunday.

Predicted XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bernd Leno (GK)

Emiliano Martinez stood between the sticks in the Europa League clash but the German continues to be the Gunners’ undisputed No.1 in goal for the Premier League games.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)

The academy graduate featured in a more advanced role on Wednesday but he is likely to start in his regular right-back role against Bournemouth given that Bellerin is unlikely to be risked after playing the full ninety minutes in the Europa League.

David Luiz (CB)

The former Chelsea man hasn’t been at his best since his move across the capital in the summer window but the game on Sunday is expected to present another opportunity for him to prove his worth.

Sokratis (CB)

The Greek international should be fresh and ready to start after being rested for the midweek trip to Belgium and a lot will depend on how he manages to cope with the threat of Callum Wilson on Sunday.

Kieran Tierney (LB)

The former Celtic man looked sharp and showed signs of getting back to his sparkling best in the Europa League and he could be in line for a Premier League debut this week.

Matteo Guendouzi (CM)

The Frenchman has been one of Arsenal’s most influential players in the middle of the park this season and there is no reason why he shouldn’t start against the Cherries after playing a cameo on Wednesday.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

The Swiss international has been quite shocking this term but he might just get the nod ahead of Torreira and Willock given that he didn’t feature in the Europa League game.

Dani Ceballos (CAM)

The elegant Spanish playmaker picked out some gorgeous passes in the midweek clash and he certainly deserves a start on Sunday.

Bukayo Saka (LW)

He has been given the nod over fellow academy graduate Reiss Nelson for the Premier League games in recent weeks and that is likely to continue against Bournemouth after a dazzling display away at Man United in the previous outing.

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Nicolas Pepe (RW)

The club-record signing has been a massive disappointment so far and the fans will be hoping to see the best of him this week.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

The former Dortmund man has bagged 8 goals in 8 games in all competitions and Arsenal will once again rely heavily on him to deliver the goods in front of goal.