Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Partey Out, Martinelli In? What will be Arsenal's Starting XI vs Bournemouth?

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Arsenal's season will take a defining test as they host Bournemouth in a pivotal Premier League encounter on Saturday (May 4).

Arsenal occupy the top spot of the Premier League table but the destiny is not in their own hands as Man City can leapfrog the Gunners with their game in hand. Amid this, the North London club will be desperate to get all three points as they take on 10th-placed Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are fresh from consecutive London derby wins. After a 5-0 drubbing of Chelsea, Mikel Arteta's men secured a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

Ahead of the Bournemouth match, Jurrien Timber is back in contention for the Gunners. The Dutch defender was out with an ACL injury but seems to be closer than ever for a return.

But what will Mikel Arteta opt for the Bournemouth match? Will Jurrien Timber get straight back into the team and will there be any other changes?

Arsenal vs Bournemouth: Arsenal Predicted Starting XI

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not a fan of changing his team too much. We have seen the continuous pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal's defence, while Ben White has found the right-back position his own abode.

The left-back position has been the only concern for Arsenal as three players have been used so far this season with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior all rotating in that position. Timber can slot into that position but starting against Bournemouth looks a bridge too far for the Dutchman.

In the midfield, Arteta would opt to go with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey with the latter playing a deeper role. Martin Odegaard will be the man to provide the attacking flair and the no. 10.

On the attacking side, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are certain to start. The German has found his form in supreme manner and now boasts 18 goal contributions in the PL so far this season despite his slow start. Leandro Trossard started at Spurs, but Arteta can give an opportunity to Gabriel Martinelli for the Bournemouth match.

David Raya gifted a goal with a howler in the last match and put unnecessary pressure on the team, but he is likely to start again.

Arsenal Probable Starting XI vs Bournemouth

David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli