Arsenal v Bournemouth: Predicted Gunners XI for Cherries clash

Arsenal continue their Premier League title pursuit when they face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. 

The Gunners currently sit top of the table, a point ahead of Manchester City, although the reigning champions do have a game-in-hand over their rivals.

Having finished as runners-up to City last term, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be desperate to see his side go one better this season.

Here, we predict the XI that the Spaniard could select for the game against the Cherries.

Goalkeeper

David Raya joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford last summer and has replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arteta’s first choice ‘keeper. The Spaniard made a mistake in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but is in line to start on Saturday.

Defenders

At the back, Arteta has avoided making too many changes whenever possible and Ben White is therefore expected to start once again at right-back. The Englishman has missed just one Premier League game so far this term, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

White has been outstanding of late

In the centre of defence, Gabriel will once again partner William Saliba. The pair have forged a formidable partnership over the past two seasons, and Arteta will be relying on them to maintain their excellent defensive record on Saturday.

At left-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu is likely to continue after a recent run of impressive displays.

Midfielders

Declan Rice is enjoying a fine debut season in North London, and the England international will start once again at The Emirates on Saturday. He will likely be joined by Thomas Partey, who has started Arsenal’s last two league games after returning from injury in March.

Partey has been heavily involved for Arteta’s side in recent weeks

Captain Martin Odegaard has been arguably the Gunners’ best player so far this term, and the Norway international will start in the advanced midfield role.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka has missed just two Premier League games so far this season and will start on the right of Arsenal’s front line for this one. The Englishman scored against Spurs last time out, and will be hoping to add to his tally this weekend.

Saka is enjoying another fine season

Through the middle, Kai Havertz is set to start and will be hoping to continue his good run of form. The German has scored eight goals in his last 11 games, including a goal against Tottenham last week.

On the left, Gabriel Martinelli could return to the starting line-up. The Brazilian has fallen out of favour of late, failing to start any of their last seven league games. Leandro Trossard could drop to the bench.

Predicted XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Tomiyasu; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.