Arsenal Starting XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Rotation, Recovery and Relentless Schedule

Eyes on Paris, but Bournemouth beckons

Arsenal host Bournemouth at the Emirates on Saturday evening, with Mikel Arteta’s squad stretched both physically and mentally. While eyes are already drifting toward the seismic second leg of their Champions League semi-final in Paris, there’s unfinished business in the Premier League. And with Bournemouth arriving in solid form, this won’t be a gentle warm-up.

Arteta confirmed that both Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined. “They will not feature this weekend,” said the manager, as the Italian duo continue their respective recoveries — Jorginho from a rib injury, Calafiori from a knee issue dating back to March.

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Defensive juggling act continues

There are further headaches for Arteta at the back. With European rotation a recurring theme in April, Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly may well be spared this domestic test. That leaves Ben White likely to feature again at right-back, with Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko competing for the left-back slot.

The centre-back pairing of Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba looks set to remain unchanged. In goal, David Raya continues, while Bournemouth’s on-loan keeper Neto cannot feature against his parent club and is ineligible.

Midfield dilemma for Arteta

Midfield options are sparse. With Jorginho out and Thomas Partey only just back from suspension, the Ghanaian could be handed valuable minutes ahead of the return trip to Paris. Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice may also retain their places, though Ethan Nwaneri, Zinchenko or Mikel Merino could come into contention.

Nwaneri might be used on the wing, allowing Bukayo Saka a much-needed rest. Meanwhile, Merino — who played in midfield during the 1-0 defeat in Paris — could be trialled further forward again on Saturday.

Arteta may look to manage minutes sensibly, with next week’s clash at Paris Saint-Germain looming large. “The Spaniard played in midfield on Tuesday against PSG, but is expected to lead the line for the second leg next week,” the report notes, suggesting rotation is very much in mind.

Predicted line-up and key details

Likely XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, TrossardInjured: Calafiori (knee), Gabriel (hamstring), Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Jorginho (rib), Tomiyasu (knee)Ineligible: Neto (on loan from Bournemouth)

Arsenal squad: Porter, Raya, Setford; Kacurri, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Merino, Nwaneri, Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Saka, Sterling, TrossardTime: 5.30pm BST, Saturday May 3, 2025Venue: Emirates Stadium, LondonWatch live: Sky SportsReferee: Jarred Gillett