Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive first half of the 2025/26 season, losing just twice in all competitions. Since the defeat to Aston Villa, the Gunners have bounced back to form, including a 4-1 victory over Villa in the reverse fixture. They also remain undefeated in the Champions League and have progressed to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. In their first game of 2026,Mikel Arteta’s team travels to the south coast to take on Bournemouth in the 17:30 GMT kick-off slot. Here is our Arsenal predicted lineup.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup & Team News vs Bournemouth
How Arsenal Have Lined Up Recently
Following Manchester City’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland, Arsenal find themselves four points clear at the top of the league. Last time out against Aston Villa, the Gunners lined up in their normal 4-3-3 formation, with David Raya starting in goal, with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Piero Hincapie completing the defence.
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In midfield, Arteta selected Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, and Martin Zubimendi. In the wide areas, it was Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard supporting the out-of-form Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal Team News
In the pre-match press conference, the Arsenal boss discussed the availability of Declan Rice:
“We have another session today, let’s see how he comes today and how that’s feeling, but [the Villa game] was too early for him,” the boss said at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
“Sometimes you get a hit and, throughout the game, you are able, with adrenaline and because you are warm, able to sustain that, and then the body reacts. It reacted probably more than we expected, unfortunately, and that’s where we are.”
It also appears that Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera will be missing from the Bournemouth matchday squad due to injuries.
Having Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz available has Arteta looking forward to a selection headache for upcoming games:
“It helps the team, it helps every individual. I think that’s what we want, to have the option, with the amount of games we have on the schedule.
“So far, we haven’t had that option, so I’m looking forward to having everybody on it, everybody performing and being able to change profiles, to change during the game as well and to pick players in the best conditions every time.”
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO / Pro Sports
