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Arsenal predicted line-up vs Bournemouth | Getty Imanges
Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side continue their hunt for the title
Arsenal take on AFC Bournemouth away on Saturday as they look to keep their momentum going. They sealed off 2025 with a 4-1 win over Aston Villa at home last time out. Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus got their goals at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal predicted line-up vs Bournemouth: goalkeeper and defence
GK: David Raya:Arsenal’s number one is having an impressive season and has kept nine clean sheets in the league so far along with Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet which comes in handy. In addition, he is a top class shot stopper and at the age of 30, is becoming more experienced with every passing game.
RB: Jurrien Timber: The versatile defender has become an important player for the Gunners to call upon. The 24-year-old rocked up in England back in 2023 but struggled with injury during his first 12 months. He has since become one of Arteta’s most prized assets.
CB: William Saliba: Saliba has formed a solid partnership at the heart of the back line with Gabriel. He is also a threat from set pieces at the other end of the pitch. The centre-back will be hoping to keep Bournemouth’s attackers at bay down in Dorset.
CB: Gabriel: He managed to get himself on the scoresheet against Aston Villa. The Brazilian got the better of Emi Martinez from a corner to head home. He has a great relationship alongside Saliba and is such a crucial player for his side.
LB: Piero Hincapie: Arsenal are poised to give him the nod again at left-back ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly and the injured Riccardo Calafiori. He was signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. Hincapie is still getting to grips with life in his new country.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Bournemouth: midfield and attack
CM: Declan Rice: Arsenal left Rice out of their squad against Aston Villa. They need to assess him ahead of Bournemouth and will make checks on him. If he is indeed fit, there is no doubt he will be thrown straight back in.
CM: Martin Zubimendi: He found the net in the last game so should be feeling confident. He has turned out to be a shrewd acquisition by the Gunners and injects quality into their team. The Spaniard is a tidy operator and tends to keep the ball well.
CM: Mikel Merino: The ex-Real Sociedad man has played up front at times this term. His versatility makes him a dependable individual for Arteta to call upon. The fact he is left-footed means he provides good balance to the team.
RW: Bukayo Saka: Saka likes to cut in on his left foot from the right and can be hard to stop on his day. Bournemouth will need to be at their best if they are to keep him quiet. He has seven goals to his name in all competitions in this campaign.
LW: Leandro Trossard: It would be harsh for Arteta to drop Trossard after his display against Aston Villa. He keeps getting better and better for Arsenal and their decision to land him from Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2023 has turned out to be a masterstroke. Like Saka, he has found the net seven times this term.
ST: Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal may well hand Jesus a start up top in place of Viktor Gyokeres. This would freshen things up and give the Cherries something different to think about. The Brazilian is back available following his injury lay-off and will be itching to make up for lost time.
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