Arsenal vs Bournemouth predicted XI: Moving forward

Attack

Another place drastically impacted by injuries. Not in like a “oh damn, how will we survive” kind of way, but more in like a “I really wish we had another option” kind of way. Although it is going to be quite exciting, as Eddie Nketiah should get his first start since return from his failed Leeds loan. Mikel Arteta clearly likes the guy and prioritized him early on, so there’s definitely something going on in training to endear Nketiah to the new manager so quickly.

My issue is that Reiss Nelson is hurt again. I would have loved to see him here, ready to regain his place. The place that Arteta handed him on arrival before Nelson promptly lost it was replaced by Nicolas Pepe.

Now, with each match that Pepe starts, Nelson falls further down the probability charts. And given a lack of other options, Pepe will start again here. That’s exciting though, because while it negatively impacts Nelson, it positively impacts the club. Pepe is getting better and better and I’m always ready to see more of him.

Lastly, this attack is rounded off by the man, the myth, the legend, Gabriel Martinelli. He was a hero against Chelsea, he was a hero against Sheffield United, and if trends are anything to pay attention to, he may very well be the hero here as well.