EPL: Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth preview

Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth preview

Arsenal and Bournemouth are both in desperate need of a win heading into their Premier League clash at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Gunners early season struggles have been well documented, with the pressure continuing to grow on boss Arsene Wenger following back-to-back defeats to Stoke and Liverpool before the international break.

The 4-0 defeat at Anfield has been particularly damaging for Wenger's side and they are already seven points off the pace in the early season standings.

Arsenal's activity before the transfer window closed did nothing to appease the club's supporters, despite the fact they kept hold of Alexis Sanchez, as they sold Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool, while no new arrivals came through the door at the Emirates.

The pressure will be well and truly on Arsenal during Saturday's match, although they are unbeaten in their five previous meetings with the Cherries.

Wenger will be without the now departed Oxlade-Chamberlain for the match, although summer signings Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette could both return to the starting line-up after being left on the bench against Liverpool.

Bournemouth have also started the season poorly, losing all three of their league matches to date, although they were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Manchester City before the international break.

Eddie Howe's men also secured a win in their last away match, against Championship outfit Birmingham in the Carabao Cup, while they drew 3-3 during their last meeting with the Gunners at the Vitality Stadium in January.

The Cherries could be boosted by the return of Simon Francis for the match following a hamstring strain, while they have no fresh injury concerns heading into the contest.