Key events
From the archive, but still worth reading.
Team news: Saka out, Merino starts
Bournemouth make three changes following their frustrating defeat to Leicester before the international break. Julian Araujo, Alex Scott and Dango Ouattara replaces Adam Smith, Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert.
Bukayo Saya is absent from the Arsenal squad due to a hamstring problem. Leandro Trossard He replaces him in one of four changes since the victory over Southampton a fortnight ago. The signing of the summer Mikel Merino makes his first start in the league and ben white returns to the starting eleven. Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus fall to the bench.
Bournemouth (possible 4-2-3-1) Kepa; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson.
Substitutes: Travers, Huijsen, Brooks, Christie, Adams, Smith, Sinisterra, Kluivert, Enes Unal.
Arsenal (possible 4-1-2-3) stripe; Blanco, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Game; Merino, Rice; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard.
Substitutes: Setford, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Martinelli, Jesús, Kabia.
Referee Rob Jones.
Preamble
Andoni Iraola wants to scratch himself. Since it became Bournemouth coach, your record against last season's top six is desperate: P14 W0 E1 L13 F4 A32 Pts 1. Your team is much better than that, as they have shown against the rest, and with a little giant killing they could finish easily. in the upper half. It would also improve Iraola's reputation heading into the silly managerial season.
All of this is easier said than done, especially tonight. Bournemouth face a relentless and voracious Arsenal team whose only dropped points this season have come with 10 men. They will be on top if they win tonight, at least until Manchester City and Liverpool play tomorrow. They also have the opportunity to join a very small club. Liverpool is the only English club to have won 2,000 games in the top flight; Arsenal are not eliminated in 1999.
Kick off 5:30 p.m.
