Premier League leaders Arsenal have the chance to stretch their advantage at the summit to seven points this Saturday when they travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth. The Gunners head into the fixture in imperious form, having dismantled a previously in-form Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium in their last outing.
Title Race Pressure Builds for Manchester City
This weekend's schedule hands Mikel Arteta's side the initiative. Arsenal's clash with the Cherries takes place on Saturday, while their closest rivals, Manchester City, do not play until Sunday evening when they host a Chelsea side currently without a manager. A victory for Arsenal would therefore pile significant pressure on Pep Guardiola and his team, forcing them to keep pace in what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.
The hosts, Bournemouth, present a curious challenge. They began the campaign brightly but have since faltered, sliding down the table to a precarious 15th position. Arsenal, meanwhile, are navigating their own squad challenges, with Arteta facing several selection dilemmas due to injuries and the need for rotation.
Defensive Stability and Forced Changes
At the back, Arsenal's foundation remains solid. The central defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba, shielded by goalkeeper David Raya, has been the bedrock of the division's best defensive record this season. Gabriel marked his return to the starting line-up against Villa with a goal and is expected to continue if fully fit.
However, changes are likely at full-back. First-choice left-back Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined with an injury sustained in the warm-up before the Brighton game. This could open the door for Myles Lewis-Skelly to come into the side, with Piero Hincapie potentially making way. On the right, Jurrien Timber's successful return from injury against Villa should see him retain his place.
Midfield Doubts and Attacking Dilemmas
The major concern for Arteta lies in midfield, where the fitness of key man Declan Rice is in question. Rice missed the Villa win with a knee issue after playing out of position at right-back in the previous match. Arteta provided a cautious update, stating, "We have another session today, let’s see how he comes today and how that’s feeling, but [the Villa game] was too early for him."
If Rice is not deemed ready, Mikel Merino is poised to keep his place alongside Martin Zubimendi in the engine room. Captain Martin Odegaard, enjoying a rich vein of form, will orchestrate play from an advanced midfield role.
The most intriguing decision may come in attack. Following his impactful substitute appearance and goal against Aston Villa, there is a growing clamour for Gabriel Jesus to be handed a start. The Brazilian has made a swift recovery from an ACL injury and his introduction could see the club's £64 million summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres, drop to the bench. On the flanks, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are expected to continue, with the latter keeping both Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze out of the matchday squad recently.
Full predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.
