(4-3-3): Mikel Merino and Odegaard made a shocking return but Saka, Calafiori and other five first team players all out as Arsenal set to name a dangerous starting XI against Bournemouth tomorrow
Third-placed Arsenal travel to take on AFC Bournemouth (13th) tomorrow evening in what should be an exciting Premier League match-up.
The Gunners are looking to keep pace with Manchester City in second and Liverpool at the summit. They will be desperate for three points against the Cherries.
The north Londoners are the favourites for this clash, having won their last four clashes with Bournemouth. Arsenal thrashed the Cherries 4-0 the last time they met at the Vitality Stadium and the season before Mikel Arteta’s men claimed a 3-0 win on enemy territory.
Bournemouth have only one win over Arsenal in their last ten meetings, which came back in January 2018. Andoni Iraola’s side has a mountain to climb when they take on the Premier League heavyweights.
Arsenal are also brimming with confidence after winning four on the trot and will look to make it five tomorrow.
In his pre-match press conference today, Arteta confirmed captain Martin Odegaard would not be fit for this game despite returning to training following an injury he picked up during the September international break.
Arsenal had several injury concerns over the break but will be excited to get some crucial players back ahead of the mounting fixture list.
Arteta passed midfielder Thomas Partey fit enough to face Bournemouth while it is touch and go for Gabriel Martinelli, who picked up a knock on international duty for Brazil.
It is the same for Bukayo Saka, who trained without issues but will be monitored closely. Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko are close to full fitness but won’t be in the squad this weekend.
On Kai Havertz, who has been nursing a knock, Arteta said (Arsenal.com), “If he trains well today, he has a good chance to be fit and available.”
Arsenal Predicted Starting Line-up:
(4-3-3): David Raya; Thomas Partey, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori; Mikel Merino, Jorginho, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard.
