Arsenal travel to Bournemouth this evening (7.45pm kick-off) looking to regain third spot in the Premier League from Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side got back to winning ways by beating Burnley 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, a result which took them above Arsene Wenger’s men in the table.

However, the Gunners will look to leapfrog the Citizens by recording a third successive league victory at ninth place Bournemouth tonight.

Wenger’s side have beaten West Brom and Crystal Palace at home in the last few days, but have lost their last two away games at Everton and Manchester City.

And they’ll find it tough at an ever-improving Bournemouth this evening, given that the Cherries have won seven of their 19 league games this season, including their last match at Swansea on New Year’s Eve.

Eddie Howe’s comprehensively beat the Swans 3-0 at the Liberty Stadium, and they go into this one knowing that victory would take them to within three points of seventh place Everton.

Given that both sides played over the weekend, both managers are likely to make some alterations, so here are THREE Arsenal players who deserve a chance this evening…

Kieran Gibbs

Nacho Monreal once again struggled against pace in the win over Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day and, given that that is one trait Bournemouth have in abundance going forward, Wenger may be tempted to rest the Spaniard.

Thus, an opportunity may arise for Kieran Gibbs to stake a claim for a regular first team spot.

The 27-year-old has started just one Premier League game since their 4-1 victory over Sunderland on October 29, although that was their 1-0 success over West Brom on Boxing Day.

The England international performed well against the Baggies, and his greater acceleration and overall speed may be more beneficial to the Gunners backline this evening.

Aaron Ramsey

With Mohamed Elneny now on African Cup of Nations duty with Egypt, a space in the Arsenal midfield has come available.

And Wenger may turn to Welsh international Aaron Ramsey to try and improve his form after a sluggish return from injury.

The 26-year-old has started four games in all competitions since recovering from a hamstring problem that he suffered in their 4-3 defeat to Liverpool back in August, but only one of those matches has come in the Premier League.

Since then, Ramsey has had to make do with a place on the bench and the odd substitute appearance, but with Elneny unavailable, and both Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil doubtful, the game against Bournemouth could be the perfect time to start the Welshman.

Lucas Perez

Although Lucas Perez started against Crystal Palace, he didn’t have a huge impact, yet the doubts surrounding the fitness of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott could see the Spaniard get the nod again.

And he arguably deserves another shot to try and nab his first Premier League goal.

It’s clear that the 28-year-old has quality in the final third, his hat-trick in the Champions League against Basel demonstrated that, and his desire to cut inside and his eye for a pass should give Arsenal more creativity and guile in the attacking areas.

It hasn’t quite happened for him in English football, yet more minutes on the pitch and further backing from his manager could see Perez get that elusive league goal at Bournemouth this evening.