Mikel Arteta
is set to make big changes to his
Arsenal
side when they take on
Bournemouth
in the
Premier League
this evening.
While focus briefly shifts back to domestic matters today, Europe is Arsenal’s sole focus right now.
After a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates on Tuesday
, the Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital looms large next week.
With Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu out for the season and Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho still not unavailable, Arteta does not have the deepest squad to work with.
But the Gunners boss will surely be taking no chances with some key personnel on Saturday.
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Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney will all be pushing for starting roles against the Cherries while Ben White could come into the side having made his latest return off the bench on Tuesday night.
Arsenal will be exercising caution over Bukayo Saka
who made his return from a three-month layoff at the start of April. Martin Odegaard could be another rested but Arsenal cannot afford to take too many risks.
Thomas Partey missed the midweek defeat to PSG
and seems certain to return to the side in Paris next week.
Arteta has a dilemma whether to give the Ghana international some minutes this weekend ahead of that second leg showdown.
While the Gunners have occupied second place for most of the season, the battle for Champions League qualification is heating up behind them.
Manchester City are now just three points behind having played a game more following Friday night’s win over Wolves.
While the Champions League is their priority, Arteta’s side cannot afford to keep dropping points after recent slip-ups at home to Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Bournemouth
Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney, Zinchenko, Rice, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
Where to watch Arsenal vs Bournemouth? Kick-off time and TV channel
Arsenal vs Bournemouth kicks off at
5pm
on
Saturday 3 May
.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Live streaming is available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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