Arsenal vs Bournemouth predicted XI: Arteta’s formula to silverware

Right-back – Ainsley Maitland-Niles

I know, I know. AMN is not a defender and I side with that notion. He is much better in the midfield but unfortunately, Arteta doesn’t have much choice. Coming back from injury, Hector Bellerin put in an impressive shift against Chelsea so he will likely be rested and Arsenal don’t have another option at right-back. Perhaps this a position they need to invest in before the transfer window closes but for the meantime, AMN will do a good stint at the back for Arsenal.

Centre back – Shkodran Mustafi

There is ongoing talk that Sokratis Papastathopoulos could be looming a return to action but I’m not certain whether Arteta will choose to start him in this match. That said, I think Mustafi will get another chance to prove his worth in the XI.

He has been good under Arteta. He obviously had that slip-up against Chelsea for the first goal but there have been clear improvements in his defending and confidence on the ball. The supporters will get behind him against Bournemouth and hopefully he will reward them with a clean sheet.

Centre back – Rob Holding

For some reason, it just seems like a decade since Rob Holding got a start. However, I do think he will play from the beginning in this match. Holding is a great defender with plenty of potential that he can certainly reach under Mikel Arteta. These matches are important to him in terms of game time as he looks to make a serious mark on the first team.

Left-back – Bukayo Saka

Much like his counterpart Maitland-Niles, Saka is not a full back but he will be happy to pick up all the game time and experience he can get.

Against Sheffield United, in particular, Saka was an exceptional performer and he showed plenty of determination to track back and defend. This is uncommon of a young player since this is his unnatural position but he should have an easier ride of things against Bournemouth.