Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Bournemouth, two changes
|Arsenal will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when they host Bournemouth in today’s early kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have won their last three league games and they are currently on 80 points, one ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Mikel Arteta’s side will need to keep on winning to stay in the title race. Ahead of today’s encounter, the manager could make a couple of changes.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya had a howler in the north London derby last weekend when the Gunners were cruising at 3-0. However, he made amends after his poor mistake.
The Spaniard will be eyeing his 15th clean sheet of the top-flight campaign. He is assured of winning the Golden Glove award in his debut season at Arsenal.
In defence, Ben White is expected to continue from right-back. The 26-year-old has been in fine form on both ends of the pitch and he is an undisputed starter.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are likewise guaranteed to keep their places in central defence. The latter was adjudged the man of the match against Tottenham Hotspur.
At left-back, Arteta could go with Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Cherries are a high pressing team. Zinchenko could be useful with his better ball-playing ability.
Thomas Partey has been fantastic since his return to the number six role for the Gunners. He has started the last two matches and should keep his place once more.
Declan Rice has had more freedom from a central position in recent games. The 25-year-old has provided an assist in each of the last two outings and will be aiming to continue the run.
Further forward, Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter on the right wing on the back of a goal and an indirect assist against Spurs. His position in the starting XI has never been in doubt.
Kai Havertz is likewise assured to lead the attack. The German star has been fantastic over the last 11 league games for the Gunners, registering eight goals and five assists.
Leandro Trossard struggled to make any impact in the north London derby. Gabriel Martinelli, 22, could get the nod over him particularly after a crucial clearance in stoppage time.
How Arsenal could line up against Bournemouth
Stats from Transfermarkt.com