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Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Unchanged again

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta applauds supporters on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022. - Arsenal won the game 2-0. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta applauds supporters on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022. - Arsenal won the game 2-0. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal are vying to make it three wins from three to start the 2022/23 Premier League season on Saturday evening as they visit Bournemouth on the South Coast.

The Gunners have impressed in their opening two games against Crystal Palace and Leicester, and they’re very much expected to top the newly promoted Cherries in this one as they seek to maintain their 100% record.

As we projected, Mikel Arteta retained the same starting XI that won at Selhurst Park for Arsenal’s home opener against the Foxes last weekend and with no fresh injuries arising, the boss could once again name an unchanged XI.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Here’s our predicted Arsenal starting XI for their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

Goalkeepers & Defenders

Oleksandr Zinchenko has slotted in seamlessly. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Oleksandr Zinchenko has slotted in seamlessly. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – It’s been an indifferent start to the season for Ramsdale. He’s yet to produce a complete display in which both his distribution and shot-stopping were up to scratch. Hopefully, he doesn’t have to do too much on Saturday.

Ben White (RB) – Takehiro Tomiyasu is very much back in the fold but it’d be incredibly harsh to drop White.

William Saliba (CB) – Saliba endured his first setback in Arsenal colours last weekend but, with the help of an adoring home crowd, he recovered to produce yet another commanding display. He may well be one of the first names on the team sheet already.

Gabriel (CB) – I very much doubt we’ll be seeing Rob Holding start at the Vitality.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko has slotted in seamlessly down Arsenal’s left and is already playing a crucial role in ensuring the Gunners retain control in possession. The Ukrainian is so mature, and his presence is borderline imperative.

Midfielders

Granit Xhaka scored and assisted in the victory over Leicester. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka scored and assisted in the victory over Leicester. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey has quietly gone about his business to start the season, although he was distinctly sloppy with the ball last time out. He must sharpen up in possession at crucial moments to ensure the Gunners retain control.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka’s enjoyed a stellar start to the season and while I fear that his purple patch may hinder Arsenal in the long run, he has to retain his place in Arteta’s XI. Last Saturday, Xhaka scored and assisted in the same game for the first time in his Arsenal career.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Odegaard is yet to notch a goal contribution this term, but he’s still playing a pivotal role from a creative perspective. The skipper will occupy the right half-space as much as he can in this one.

Forwards

The Gabi’s in attack have started the season brilliantly. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
The Gabi’s in attack have started the season brilliantly. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Bukayo Saka (RW) – No goals. No assists (although some will claim one). Is this the decline of Bukayo Saka??????? No, obviously not. Saka merely isn’t relied upon as much as he once was thanks to the arrival of a certain Brazilian. I fancy the young Englishman to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – It was just the four goal contributions for Mr Jesus last weekend. Standard. I think he might keep his place in the side.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – The relentless Brazilian has started the season superbly with dynamic with compatriot Jesus proving to be deadly. Could this be Gabriel Martinelli’s year?