Mikel Arteta could make four changes to his Arsenal side as they face Bournemouth on the south coast.
07:00, 01 Jan 2026
Gabriel Jesus and Eberechi Eze could both start for Arsenal away at Bournemouth
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Mikel Merino of Arsenal talks with teammates in a huddle during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)(Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal will be riding a wave of positivity following their huge win over Aston Villa in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta watched on as his side produced a second half to remember and claim all three points, scoring four times.
The result gave him plenty to consider ahead of another busy month of action as 2026 gets underway. Next up is a trip to a side that managed to beat the Gunners last season, Bournemouth.
A nightmare 2-0 defeat at the Vitality last season will look to be avenged. Wins over Everton, Brighton and now Villa have seen the Gunners overturn the negative results suffered in those matches from the previous campaign.
Bournemouth begins a new run of matches with Liverpool at home and Nottingham Forest away to follow in which again, none were games that Arsenal won last season. Arteta’s side have welcomed back some injured assets to their ranks in what are massive boosts to the squad.
With three days of rest before the trip to the south coast, there is a chance for some rotation considering that the Gunners face Liverpool in midweek. Arteta needs to manage his options and prepare his side for the winter’s ongoing gauntlet of games.
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Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are both options to come into the side for this match as is Eberechi Eze. Mikel Merino was a passenger through much of the game against Villa and with concern still over Declan Rice, it might be best for the midfielder to continue to be rested ahead of the big Liverpool fixture.
Myles Lewis-Skelly can offer Piero Hincapie some respite, considering the Ecuador international has played a considerable volume of games. While with the return of Ben White, I would start Jurrien Timber, but think about resting his legs should the game offer the opportunity to do so.
Arsenal changed XI vs Bournemouth – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Eze, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli