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The Loan Ranger: Previewing Jack Wilshere’s Bournemouth Debut

When Bournemouth face West Brom this weekend, it will be Jack Wilshere’s first opportunity to prove the haters wrong. Nobody likes the haters, least of all Wilshere.

In his last few years playing for Arsenal, Jack Wilshere has encountered more than his fair share of haters. There are the trolls who mock him online for his injuries, making cruel humour out of his delicate ankles and fragile limbs. There are the fans who rage at his liberal ball retention, bemoaning his scampering runs and penchant for being persistently dispossessed. There are the people who take pictures of him having a crafty fag at Dstrkt, then share them with the tabloids for a paltry financial reward.

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These are the haters that Wilshere has to deal with, and he's sick and tired of it, he really is.

Now on loan at Bournemouth after a particularly difficult season in North London, Wilshere has his first opportunity to prove the haters wrong this weekend. The Cherries host West Brom at Dean Court on Saturday, in a game which could see Wilshere make his debut on the south coast. Considering that he's by far the biggest signing in Bournemouth's history, the weight of expectation will be significant from the off. Playing against a team managed by Tony Pulis is hardly ideal for a notoriously breakable midfield talent but, still, Wilshere needs to get the ball rolling, and give at least a glimpse of what he's capable of.

While Eddie Howe will be expecting big things from Wilshere as the season progresses, he's not the only one who'll be monitoring the 24 year old. At the other end of the M3, Arsene Wenger will be keeping tabs. Wenger is reportedly amenable to Wilshere continuing his career at Arsenal but, realistically, this is his last chance to prove his worth to the club. Carpe diem then, Jack, seize the day and, whatever you do, don't tweak your hamstring and be out for the next three and a half weeks.