Arsenal predicted line-up vs Bournemouth: key change from Southampton as six players facing injury concerns

Arsenal will continue their title push this weekend at the Vitality Stadium, facing a potentially tricky test against Bournemouth. With several injuries and pressure mounting from Manchester City and Liverpool, this game could prove to be a challenge for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal in many ways, particularly their mentality, which will be crucial as they look to strengthen their title challenge against a resilient Manchester City. This weekend provides another opportunity to solidify their position.

The biggest concern for Arteta is the fitness of star man Bukayo Saka, who limped out of England’s game against Greece. Thomas Partey also withdrew from Ghana’s double-header against Sudan due to fitness concerns. Additionally, Kai Havertz is dealing with a knee issue, potentially leading to changes in the line-up. With so much at stake, here is the team we anticipate Mikel Arteta might field.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

David Raya has been in excellent form this season, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers. His performances have been strong enough for the Gunners to consider letting Aaron Ramsdale leave. Jurrien Timber has made a solid return after a challenging season last year, and he is expected to keep his spot alongside Riccardo Calafiori, who has been impressive since joining in the summer. The central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has been reliable and exceeded many expectations since they started playing together.

Midfield

The midfield is an area of concern, with club captain Martin Ødegaard still sidelined due to injury. However, Arsenal have managed to share the creative responsibilities in his absence, with Kai Havertz dropping between the lines to play alongside the now-fit Thomas Partey and the always-dependable Declan Rice. Although there are some concerns about Havertz's fitness, he is expected to recover in time, while Partey, who was ill during the international break, is ready to return to action.

Forwards

The forward line is Arsenal’s main source of attacking threat. Saka is expected to recover in time for the game, while Leandro Trossard has stepped up as a key figure in the attack. Gabriel Martinelli remains in the starting line-up, holding off competition from Raheem Sterling.

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Martin Ødegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, Neto