The Premier League resumes action on Saturday at the Vitality Stadium when Arsenal hosts Bournemouth. The league was idle during the international break. Regretfully, Arsenal has not emerged unharmed from this last week.

 

 

It is known that Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have both experienced issues, casting doubt on their ability to play against the Cherries. In the matchup from the previous season, Arsenal won handily, but Saka and Martin Odegaard both started and scored; in fact, Martinelli was absent because Gabriel Jesus was playing on the left.

 

In addition to the expectation that some of his previously injured team members would return, Mikel Arteta has a number of backup options to deal with his present absences. Having said that, David Raya is set to stay in goal after solidifying his place as Spain’s starting keeper in the absence of Unai Simon.

It is hoped that defenseman Ben White, who was reportedly in contention for the Southampton game prior to the break, can make a comeback for Bournemouth. Given that Jurrien Timber is viewed as a higher risk, it would be best to give him ample time to make a comeback.

As their center-back duo persists, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes continue to start in the middle. At left back, Riccardo Calafiori has taken over and will likely remain, even if Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned and Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to follow shortly.

Moving into midfield, Mikel Merino, who is fit to play for Spain, makes sense because Thomas Partey hasn’t played for Ghana because of a physical condition. Declan Rice scored in the England match against Finland, but he now plays at number six as his new Spanish midfield partner tries to make a name for himself.

With Saka and Martinelli possibly out of the picture, Kai Havertz ought to continue starting at striker in the hopes that his goal-scoring run holds. But, Gabriel Jesus is unable to fit in because Leandro Trossard is positioned on the left.

This causes the Belgian to leave midfield, and Ethan Nwaneri, making his first Premier League start in attacking midfield, takes over. A worthy challenge given his recent success, but also one that was well-earned.

That’s Raheem Sterling on the right. Saka and/or Martinelli may still be able to make the bench where Jesus will be and try to have an effect on the day.

Alternate Arsenal starting lineup vs Southampton: Raya; Rice, Mer