The predicted Arsenal team to start against Bournemouth as the Gunners return to Premier League action
Arsenal take on Bournemouth in the Premier League, hoping to move 12 points clear of their title rivals Manchester City, who travel to Chelsea on Sunday. The Gunners have responded to their double cup exit with a win over Sporting CP, and the mood has improved.
Mikel Arteta said his team had rediscovered their identity in Portugal, and was supported by Riccardo Calafiori’s post-match thoughts. The Italian, however, was not one of those spotted in Thursday’s training session alongside several others on whom the manager gave an update during Friday’s press conference.
With Bournemouth as the next opponent, it changes the context of the challenge ahead and Arteta will need to find a way to pick what’s right for this test. With that in mind, football.london assesses who they think will start this game.
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Here is who we predict will start:
David Raya
How different Arsenal looked with their number one keeper between the sticks was quite something. The Spaniard was imperious and resolute and made the difference in Lisbon.
Cristhian Mosquera
I have this feeling that Ben White starting four games in less than two weeks is not something we will see, three for the Gunners and one for England. With who might be playing left-back too, the presence of Cristhian Mosquera in the role would bring some added security to the team.
William Saliba
The Frenchman was excellent in Portugal and has rediscovered some of his better form, which will be vital for the remainder of the season.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Besides one poor touch, Gabriel was again excellent defensively in Lisbon and having the bedrock of this team and the spine intact has allowed Arsenal to find that identity that had started to slip.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
With both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie big doubts for the game, it means that the duty falls to the 19-year-old, who will need to be much better than he was at Southampton, and show more of his stellar display for the England under-21s.
Noni Madueke
Bukayo Saka is hoping to make it back for the game against Bournemouth, but the likelihood of him starting is up in the air, and there is a real sense of caution for the players’ fitness; therefore, Noni Madueke is expected to start once again.
Martin Zubimendi
The Spaniard had one of his better games in Lisbon and took his goal so well, and was unlucky to see it ruled out for offside.
Declan Rice
Brilliant in Portugal, running the game and making so many good challenges, equalling records for duels. But progressively is where the midfielder will be key in this clash.
Gabriel Martinelli
Many have said that the Brazilian is better coming off the bench, and his performances in the league haven’t matched up to what we have seen in Europe. Now is the time to change the course, but with Eberechi Eze nearing a return, that left-wing spot could be where the former Palace man shows some competition.
Kai Havertz
A great goal in Lisbon and with Martin Odegaard’s fitness remaining a constant concern, the two-striker system could yet come in from the start here against the Cherries.
Viktor Gyokeres
It’s taken the majority of the season but understanding the Swede is becoming clearer for viewers and his teammates. Get him the ball in dangerous areas and he will score, it really is that simple.
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