Will AFCB's left side be able to cope against Arsenal?

The injury to Adam Smith has given Eddie Howe a moment to consider whether to bring in another player at left back or to abandon four at the back and play again with a back three. There has not been much time for Charlie Daniels or Diego Rico to get games in and against Arsenal Howe will need to know that the left side of the defence is up to the job.

Will Daniels play left-back or wing back?

While new recruits David Brooks and Jefferson Lema have had good runs in the first team, it has not been easy for Diego Rico to have a similar impact. Rico's last outing was against Burnley when he was hauled off at half time, having been given the run around by Lennon. Considering that Arsenal's wing play will be a step up again with Mezut Ozil perhaps on the right, Diego may find he has some way to go before coming into Howe's thoughts again. But he must try and show in training that he can battle Charlie Daniels and show he has what it takes to get crosses in and fight for a place.

Daniels is also under pressure having missed a few games and the injury to Adam Smith may not be a simple ticket for him back into the starting 11. Against the best teams it has been helpful to play three centre-backs and Daniels may find that his best chance of playing is as a wing back in a five-man midfield. I think this role suits Charlie more than being an out and out full-back, as it is the attacking side of Daniels' game that has always been his best attribute.

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Keeping the likes of Ozil out of the game is also going to depend on AFCB's left wing-back tracking back, Daniels is going to have to be on his game if he is selected.