There was rumours that Arsene Wenger might well rest some of his stars for the game against AFCB. Sanchez is one that has done a lot of miles with his international travel and having played Paris St Germain in the week and with the English Football League Cup game to come against Southampton, it is possible that Wenger will feel he can beat the Cherries without one or two of his main stars.
I personally hope he does rest some players and comes unstuck. While Arsenal have to keep their eyes focussed on their title aspirations, there is also the worry of burnout and Arsenal have not had a good record in that respect. Home form though has taken a hit of late for them with draws against Middlesbrough and Spurs. Three points off the top of the table probably suits Arsenal as they tend to get edgy when leading the way, but six points would be a more sizeable gap they could ill afford at this stage.
AFCB have little to concentrate on other than the league at the moment and with a full weeks' recovery from the match against Stoke City, Howe can try and pick his most energetic side to face the Gunners at the Emirates. Arsenal themselves stole a point, late on, against Man Utd last time out, and a similar game plan for AFCB may be to wait until Arsenal find their legs heavier in the second half. The problem will be staying with them in that first 45 minutes.
Possible AFCB Team 4-2-3-1
Boruc (GK), Francis (RB), Aké (CB), S Cook (CB), Daniels (LB), Arter (CM), Surman (CM),
Stanislas (RW), Gosling CM), King (LW), Wilson (FW)
Subs: Federici, A Smith, Mings, Gradel, Ibe, Pugh, Afobe
Arsenal Home FormWWWDD
AFCB Away Form
DLDDW
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| Will Jordan Ibe walk out as a sub or a starter at the Emirates? |
AFCB have little to concentrate on other than the league at the moment and with a full weeks' recovery from the match against Stoke City, Howe can try and pick his most energetic side to face the Gunners at the Emirates. Arsenal themselves stole a point, late on, against Man Utd last time out, and a similar game plan for AFCB may be to wait until Arsenal find their legs heavier in the second half. The problem will be staying with them in that first 45 minutes.
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Eddie Howe's subs have not really taken games away from teams yet, and it would be of interest to see if he would use Ryan Fraser and perhaps Lys Mousset as second half subs in a game like this, to see if he can stretch the Arsenal back line. I expect though that Howe will look for more experience on the bench if Gradel and Pugh are available. 
Possible AFCB Team 4-2-3-1
Boruc (GK), Francis (RB), Aké (CB), S Cook (CB), Daniels (LB), Arter (CM), Surman (CM),
Stanislas (RW), Gosling CM), King (LW), Wilson (FW)
Subs: Federici, A Smith, Mings, Gradel, Ibe, Pugh, Afobe
Arsenal Home FormWWWDD
AFCB Away Form
DLDDW
What happened to Charlie Daniels? He isn't suspended so he must have some injury.
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