Written by billythekid
After losing at home to an 89th-minute goal against Burnley, the Cherries are at home again at Dean Court this time on Boxing Day and the visitors are Arsenal (the Gunners). The last time we had a game on Boxing Day was against another London club West Ham, that game turned out to be a Festive Season cracker.
Since our 1-0 defeat in London against Arsenal back in October, they parted ways with manager Unai Emery. He has been replaced by the Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta a former captain of the Arsenal team. Arteta took over officially on Sunday and his first Premier League game will be at Dean Court on Boxing Day. He is the youngest manager in the Premier League.
Since AFCB played Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, they lost their next away game against Sheffield United 1-0. Then back at the Emirates with two home games, first against another London club, Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace they drew 2-2 and this was followed with another draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1. Then came an away defeat against Leicester City 2-0. The third draw in a row at home was next with a 2-2 result against Southampton, this was the last Premier League game in charge for Unai Emery. For the visit to Carrow Road, Fredrik Ljungberg became interim manager to play Norwich City, the game ended with a 2-2 draw. Back at the Emirates Stadium came a shock result with a 1-2 defeat against Brighton. Arsenal then travelled the short distance to the London Stadium to play West Ham, the Gunners won 1-3, it was their first PL away win since the first game of the season away in the North East against Newcastle United. This win was short-lived as back home they were defeated 0-3 by Manchester City. In their last game, they played out a goalless draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
This is our second game of the season against Arsenal, having lost the earlier game by the only goal. Our games at Dean Court against Arsenal in the Premier League have been very close. In the first season, it finished 0-2. But the next season 2016-17 it finished honours even 3-3. In 2017-18, the Cherries went one better and beat Arsenal for the first time 2-1. 2018-19 Arsenal turned the tables and won 1-2. In our home games against Arsenal, AFCB have W1, D1, L2. In all competitions, AFCB have W1, D1, L8.
AFCB Team News
Diego Rico will miss the game due to suspension after picking up another yellow card against Burnley. Josh King recovered from his injury sustained at Chelsea and Callum Wilson was also available against Burnley. Simon Francis had to have stitches to a head injury during that game but continued for the rest of the game, so should be available for Arsenal. Ryan Fraser after taking a bit of a battering on Saturday should be fit. Otherwise, it’s the usual players still out injured, with one or two making progress for early returns in the New Year.
AFCB Player To Watch
Josh King to produce a bit of ‘magic’ as he produced against Manchester United at Dean Court.
Arsenal Team News
Hector Bellerin is a slight doubt with a hamstring injury. Kieran Tierney will be missing with a shoulder injury. Mesut Ozil could be available after a foot injury, as could Dani Ceballos after a hamstring injury. Rob Holding with a knee injury is a doubt for the Boxing Day game. Sead Kolasinac will miss the game with an ankle injury.
Arsenal Player To Watch
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored in both the home and away games last season. Is their leading scorer this season with 11 goals. With our team struggling to find a goal at Dean Court at the moment we need to shut him out from scoring the important goal.
Your say…
Waz afcb wrote…
Huge dilemma for Eddie Howe here at left-back. A back three would mean space down the sides for Aubameyang to exploit against either Franno or Mepham and Simpson, this would play right into Arsenal’s hands and in my opinion would-be tactical suicide. I think it has to be a back 4, Fraser at left-back?
