Arsenal travel to Bournemouth on Boxing Day in Mikel Arteta’s first game as manager, report agencies.
The Spaniard has taken the reins at the Emirates following the sacking of Unai Emery and an interim spell under Freddie Ljungberg, having spent the past few years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. The Gunners have won just one of their last 13 games across all competitions and the job facing Arteta is a big one.
However, in Bournemouth, they face an opponent equally struggling as the Cherries are on a run of just one win in seven Premier League games. Can Arteta make the perfect start to his managerial career or will Bournemouth inflict further misery on the Gunners? Read on for our preview, predictions, team news and TV coverage information.
Bournemouth have been desperately short of goals so far this season and if that’s to change, they’re going to need a drastic improvement from England international Callum Wilson.
The 27-year-old returned to action from the bench against Burnley at the weekend but has just five goals in 17 Premier League appearances this term. Arsenal are similarly blunt in front of goal right now and if that is to change, they need much more
from star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The former Borussia Dortmund man was nothing short of terrible against Everton on Saturday, completing just six passes at an accuracy rate of 38 per cent throughout the entire match and having just 21 touches of the ball.
Aubameyang is lethal in front of goal, but the Gunners must look to get him more involved in open play.
Aubameyang has scored just one goal in his last five Arsenal appearances. Callum Wilson returned to action against Burnley and should start but Eddie Howe has a pretty hefty injury list for this one, with Arnaut Danjuma, David Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Nathan Ake, Lloyd Kelly, Steve Cook, Adam Smith and Harry Wilson all injured. Jordan Ibe is doubtful while Diego Rico is suspended. Kieran Tierney (shoulder), Granit Xhaka (concussion), Rob Holding (knee) and Dani Ceballos (hamstring) all remain sidelined after the draw at Everton, as does Sead Kolasinac (ankle).
Hector Bellerin is in with a chance of returning but Ainsley Maitland-Niles will be hopeful he can retain his place.
Gabriel Martinelli and Mesut Ozil are both carrying knocks but should be fit to start. Calum Chambers is suspended.
Given the recent struggles of both these sides, this one really is tough to call.
However, the appointment of Arteta has the potential to lift a dark cloud over the Emirates so don’t be surprised to see a ‘new manager bounce’ take place on Boxing Day.
