Arsenal will take on Bournemouth in the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta expected to name a strong lineup in preparation for next week.
Arsenal are set to take on an important Premier League game in the context of keeping hold of their second-place spot in the standings. Mikel Arteta will likely name a strong lineup as a way to prepare for their big trip next week, as he will target a win against Bournemouth.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked a series of questions regarding fitness-related updates. He did mention that Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho are out for the time being while stating his surprise about Kai Havertz possibly playing the final few games of the campaign.
On the injury front, Arteta said, “Yeah, Calafiori is out, Jorginho is still out. Jorginho’s got a bit more complicated than expected. Thankfully, he’s fine, he’s feeling good, he’s recovering well, but yeah, it was a bit more than what we wanted. I think I’ll leave it to the doctor if he wants to clarify or judge that.”
He also stated that Havertz could be available for the last few games of the season, which suggests the German international has made plenty of progress in the background with the rehabilitation of his hamstring surgery.
On Havertz, Arteta said, “I think so. I think if everything goes the way it’s going at the moment and the way it’s planned, I think he will have a chance to play a few games here in the season.”
Meanwhile, the subject of Odegaard popped up as the Gunners skipper did come in for criticism following Arsenal’s loss in midweek. Arteta said, “There were many factors I think, obviously the injury, the long-term injury doesn’t help to give you the consistency and the platform to continue in the season but it’s very difficult.”
“The level of consistency shown is unbelievable for an attacking player to be constantly there, very rare because there are always ups and downs, especially the players that are very creative and they rely on a spark and creating moments in-game but there are other aspects of his games that remain intact and he continues to do every week.”
With regards to the team selection, Arteta is expected to go strong for this home game against Bournemouth. He will name a lineup based on the idea to keep sharp for the midweek trip to France. David Raya, William Saliba, and Jakub Kiwior will keep their places in the core of defence, with Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly reprising the full-back roles.
Thomas Partey will return to the starting lineup after missing the midweek UEFA Champions League clash with a suspension, and Arteta will want his full midfield setup on show. Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice will play on either side of the Ghanaian international, as Mikel Merino could return to the frontline.
Merino will lead the line, meaning Leandro Trossard could drop down to the bench. Bukayo Saka will aim for a top-notch display against Bournemouth, while Gabriel Martinelli starts on the left. Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Trossard, and Kieran Tierney are the key bench options available for Arteta in this game.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli