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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth: More of the same

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal following the VAR check during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal following the VAR check during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal kicked off a busy March with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday night which extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. 

The Gunners are back in action at the Emirates on Saturday as they welcome Gary O’Neil’s Bournemouth to north London. The Cherries have sprung a surprise or two this season, but they’re firmly in the middle of a relegation dogfight and very few expect them to stay up.

Thus, Saturday is a great opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to extend their winning run and keep their noses ahead of Man City at the summit. However, the Citizens have the chance to reduce the gap to two points before Arsenal kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth

Arteta has no fresh injury concerns heading into this one, and here’s the starting XI the Spaniard could pick for the game.

How many changes will Mikel Arteta make on Saturday? (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
How many changes will Mikel Arteta make on Saturday? (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Back-to-back clean sheets for Arsenal’s number one following a prolonged drought. He stays in the team, obviously.

Ben White (RB) – White’s rediscovering his consistent groove after a bit of a blip.

William Saliba (CB) – Wilo had a memorable outing on the south coast in the reverse fixture, scoring his first and only Arsenal goal in some style.

Gabriel (CB) – The imperious Brazilian continues to perform at such a high level.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – The Ukrainian international once again impressed in the week, and I don’t envisage Kieran Tierney coming back in on Saturday. The Scot will get his chance in Europe.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Illness reduced Jorginho’s efficacy on Wednesday night and Partey impressed in the second half. The midfielder is fully fit again and he’s expected to make his first start since the draw to Brentford on Saturday.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Emile Smith Rowe’s return is a timely one and he should earn plenty of minutes during the knockout stages of the Europa League. I don’t see him taking Xhaka’s spot in the Premier League XI just yet.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The dazzling skipper has been the ultimate crowd-pleaser this season, and he’ll be working his magic once more in front of the Emirates faithful on Saturday.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka’s strike opened the floodgates against the Toffees as the England international scored his tenth Premier League goal of the season. He may get a rest next Thursday, but he’s a sure bet to start this weekend.

Leandro Trossard (ST) – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! The Trossard experiment is working wonderfully.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Martinelli’s return to form has coincided with the utilisation of Trossard in a central position. The Brazilian’s brace on Wednesday took him to double-digit Premier League goals this season.