Arsenal will want to avoid any chances of losing ground on Manchester City in the title race when they take on Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side go into the weekend one point ahead of his former club, although the defending champions have a game in hand.
It has been two decades since Arsenal last won a Premier League title, and they have won all six of their home league matches against Bournemouth.
Arsenal came through arguably their toughest test of their title run-in, against Tottenham last weekend, but they cannot afford any slip ups against a side who have recorded back-to-back victories against Brighton and Wolves.
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Arsenal vs Bournemouth
Arsenal FC – AFC Bournemouth
Early Arsenal team news
10:15 , Sonia Twigg
“Everybody is fit and available so now it’s the headache to make the right selection,” Arteta said.
Asked if Timber’s return could be a timely boost to the squad as the title fight heads into the final three weeks, Arteta added: “Yes, because it increases the quality of the training sessions.
“You see how commanding he is, his leadership, his quality and the rest they have to lift it up and they start to demand more from each other and they look at each other and say ‘I better be good because I want to keep playing ,’ and this is very positive for the squad.
“It’s tricky because there are only three games to go and he has missed eight months of football.
“He’s played only 150 minutes of football with the under-21s, it’s a question that can only be resolved by throwing him on the pitch and we will see what happens, we have to try to nail that decision.”
Mikel Arteta drops hint over Jurrien Timber’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s title run-in
10:00 a.m , Sonia Twigg
Mikel Arteta believes Jurrien Timber could still have a part to play in Arsenal’s Premier League title run-in – despite not playing since August.
The defender is back in contention for Saturday’s visit of Bournemouth having worked his way back to fitness following a serious knee injury suffered on his league debut against Nottingham Forest.
Having returned to training and improved his fitness levels by turning out for the Under-21s, Arteta revealed the 22-year-old will be part of his squad against the Cherries.
Is Arsenal v Bournemouth on TV?
09:45 , Sonia Twigg
Arsenal will hope to put the pressure on fellow title chasers Manchester City as they take on AFC Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side enter the weekend top of the table, a single point ahead of his former club, who have a game in hand, and five in front of a fading Liverpool.
With their closest rivals not playing until later on Saturday, Arsenal will hope to secure another win and take a step towards a first title in two decades.
Is Arsenal v Bournemouth on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
Arsenal vs Bournemouth
08:59 , Sonia Twigg
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage, build up and team news ahead of Arsenal vs Bournemouth, which kicks off at 12.30pm.
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