Arsenal’s summer signing Shkodran Mustafi has returned from injury to make the starting eleven for Arsene Wenger’s side against Bournemouth. The German defender is set to partner Laurent Koscielny at the back with Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal playing as full-backs.
In midfield, Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka have formed a stellar understanding, and will start against the Cherries.
Due to the absence of Mesut Ozil, Alex Iwobi will be stationed in a more central position playing off Olivier Giroud, with Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez out wide.
The wait is over, here’s our team for #BOUvAFC
Welcome back, @MustafiOfficial?pic.twitter.com/nTlY6JRHGb
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 3, 2017
For the visitors, Dan Gosling, Joshua King and Calum Wilson return with Andrew Surman, Bennick Afobe and the ineligible Jack Wilshere missing out. Artur Boruc will have his work cut out in the Cherries goal while Junior Stanislas will be hoping to provide inspiration from the middle of the park.
?
Three changes for our @premierleague game with @Arsenal.
➡ Gosling, King, Wilson
⬅ Surman, Wilshere, Afobe#afcb ? pic.twitter.com/LUFUQ2WVp2— AFC Bournemouth ? (@afcbournemouth) January 3, 2017