Arsenal face a tough test at Premier League battlers Bournemouth later today as the Gunners look to try and keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.
The Gunners got lucky with a late equaliser against Manchester United, and they will be hoping to start this game on the front foot.
Having scored the goal that saved Arsene Wenger’s side some serious blushes last week, Olivier Giroud must be in consideration for a start at the Emirates. The Frenchman has struggled to displace Alexis Sanchez up front for Arsenal, but his presence as a target man gave Arsenal a semblance of threat at Old Trafford last week, something they were sorely lacking until he arrived on the pitch.
Nathan Ake played and scored against Stoke last week, but with Simon Francis likely being moved back to centre back this week, Giroud will have the English pair of Francis and Simon Cook to content with later today. Giroud’s clever interplay and physical presence would provide a real test for the two Bournemouth stalwarts. On the other hand Alexis Sanchez’s speed and trickery dropping between the lines could also cause Bournemouth’s fairly rigid structure problems.
It’s a tough call for Arsene Wenger, but he will be happy to be able to choose from two players who both provide significant assets to their side.