arsenal vs bournemouth is underway at the Emirates in the Premier League’s 12. 30pm BST kick-off, with Arsenal naming Kai Havertz in the starting lineup and Martin Odegaard left out of the matchday squad. Mikel Arteta has made three changes for the game, while Bournemouth make one switch of their own for the visit to north London. The matchup matters immediately for the leaders, who can move 12 points clear of Manchester City for a day at least with a win.
Team News Sets The Tone
Arsenal line up with Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz, Madueke, Gyokeres and Martinelli. On the bench are Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Hincapie, Jesus, Eze, Norgaard, Trossard, Dowman and Salmon. Bournemouth start with Petrovic, Jimenez, Hill, Truffert, Senesi, Scott, Christie, Rayan, Tavernier, Kroupi Jr and Evanilson, while their substitutes include Mandas, Adams, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Smith, Diakite, Adli, Unal and Toth.
The 19-year-old Lewis-Skelly is making only his second Premier League start of the season and comes in at left-back in place of Riccardo Calafiori. Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli replace Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s other changes, with Odegaard absent from the squad entirely. Bournemouth’s only change sees Eli Junior Kroupi come in for Amine Adli.
Arteta Keeps Fitness Questions Open
Before kick-off, Arteta was guarded about the fitness situation in his squad but confirmed there would be changes after the midweek match against Sporting. He also said Eberechi Eze is available for selection, praising the effort the midfielder has shown to return as quickly as possible.
Arteta said: “The will that he’s shown from day one to get back as quick as possible, how he’s pushed the medical staff and himself to be there, it’s just great to watch. ” He also said Mikel Merino remains sidelined, while Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Piero Hincapie are all doubtful for today’s game. Asked who would be able to play, Arteta said: “I don’t know. Some of them. ”
Bournemouth Arrive With Their Own Absences
Bournemouth are without Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook, both definitely ruled out. Andoni Iraola said Junior Kroupi and Alex Jimenez are fully recovered and ready to go after knocks picked up on international duty, while Kluivert is continuing to recover after knee surgery.
Iraola said Kluivert is eager to return in time to keep his chances of playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup alive. “He’s doing really well but we cannot do stupid things, ” Iraola said. “We have to give the time that everybody needs. ”
What The Match Means Now
Arsenal are back in league action for the first time in almost a month and arrive after a workmanlike away win against Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Bournemouth come in after five consecutive top-flight draws, most recently against Manchester United, and sit 13th while still in contention for European qualification. For Arsenal vs bournemouth, the early pressure is on the hosts to turn squad uncertainty into a result, and the next few hours will show whether Arteta’s reshuffle delivers again.
