Arsenal are now five points clear at the top of the table following their win over Villa and Manchester City’s draw to Sunderland.

After the game against Aston Villa, Arteta mentioned that Arsenal are fully focused on Bournemouth, improving their lead on the log, and clinching the Premier League title, which they have failed to do in the past two decades.

Three seasons in a row, the Gunners have come close to winning the Premier League title, but they usually fall short at the last moment. This year feels different, and Arteta is of the opinion that they can go all the way. 

The first step in going all the way is to beat Bournemouth, but the Gunners will have a few absentees ahead of that game. Declan Rice is a doubt ahead of the game due to a swelling in his knee, which made him miss the Villa game. Arteta isn’t sure if Rice would make it back in time for selection ahead of Bournemouth.

There is good news for Arsenal as Gabriel Magalhaes is back and was among the goals in their last trip. Despite coming off against Villa, he is expected to return to the starting XI. Timber also came off, but if he can’t play against Bournemouth, Ben White is expected to step in.

Arsenal Predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Trossard