Alexandre Lacazette returns to the starting lineup while Mesut Ozil replaces Emile Smith Rowe as Arsenal get set to take on Bournemouth at Dean Court.
Mikel Arteta has made three changes to Arsenal’s most recent starting lineup, against Everton this past weekend, for his first game in-charge as the Gunners prepare to lock horns with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Bernd Leno retains his place in goal, with Emiliano Martinez being his deputy once again. There is one forced change in defence, though, with Calum Chambers suspended. Chambers has been replaced by Sokratis, who partners David Luiz at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka continue as the full-back pairing.
? Three changes for @m8arteta‘s first game in charge…
⬅️ Chambers, Smith Rowe, Martinelli
➡️ Sokratis, Ozil, Lacazette#BOUARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2019
Arteta has continued to line Arsenal up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira resuming their duties in the midfield double pivot. The final two changes of the games come in attack. Gabriel Martinelli is not fit to be involved and has dropped out of the matchday squad altogether.
The Brazilian has been replaced by Alexandre Lacazette. Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil replaces Emile Smith Rowe as Arsenal’s no. 10. Lacazette will lead the line against Bournemouth, with Ozil playing off him, while Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moves out to the left flank. Reiss Nelson continues on the right.
Arsenal Starting XI: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Saka; Xhaka, Torreira; Nelson, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette