Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Mikel Arteta faces line-up challenge with Jurrien Timber decision made

Arsenal take on Bournemouth in the Premier League as Mikel Arteta faces a number of selection questions, including whether Jurrien Timber makes his first appearance for the Gunners since August

Jurrien Timber is in contention for Arsenal as they take

Fully focused 👊

📍 Sobha Realty Training Centre

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info

Arsenal go into the game with Bournemouth knowing they can reopen the four-point gap to Manchester City before Pep Guardiola’s side face Wolves at the Etihad Stadium in the late Saturday kick-off. The Cherries are arguably the toughest side the Gunners have left to face despite a trip to Old Trafford next week.

Andoni Iraola has come a long way with his squad since their 4-0 home defeat to Arsenal at the end of September. In fact, from the start of November, only four teams have picked up more points than Bournemouth, who looked destined for the drop at the beginning of the campaign.

The form of Dominik Solanke has been key and he has even seen links made with a switch to north London. However, they will be without Milos Kerkez who is suspended whilst Antoine Semenyo has been excellent for them this season but is now out injured until at least the end of the campaign.

From an Arsenal perspective, whether Mikel Arteta makes any changes to the group is of serious discussion. Arsenal have come through their previous three fixtures in quick succession whilst taking maximum points; no changes were made from the team which battered Chelsea by five goals to the side which escaped a late comeback in the North London Derby.

Stacey Solomon ‘fuming’ as she shares rant

The potential to change the team from the derby lies with the potential of one player: Jurrien Timber. The Dutch international has now played back-to-back Under-21s games with an increase in minutes on the field.

His viral goal against Blackburn and a half of action was succeeded by 71 minutes in a 2-0 win over Liverpool’s Under-21s side. The likelihood he would start against Bournemouth remains low and a second-half cameo instead is far more of a possibility – but the option is now there for Arteta.