EPL Index
·3 December 2025
Arsenal starting XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·3 December 2025

Arsenal head into their Premier League meeting with Brentford with selection once again shaped by fitness concerns and a demanding recent schedule. This Arsenal predicted lineup carries intrigue, not least because Mikel Arteta is poised to hand the captain’s armband back to Martin Odegaard in the starting XI for the first time in two months. Odegaard sustained a knee injury at the beginning of October and has been eased back carefully, featuring from the bench against Bayern Munich and Chelsea for a combined 42 minutes.

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Freshness may influence the manager’s thinking after three high intensity fixtures, most recently the London derby at Stamford Bridge. Rotation beckons, yet defensive restrictions limit how bold Arteta can be.
Gabriel remains sidelined by a thigh problem, while William Saliba’s availability is uncertain. Arteta explained the delicate nature of the situation, saying, “He had a little niggle, but I think it is going to be a matter of days. So, let’s see if he is able to do that tomorrow.

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“The ankle one (the injury Saliba had in August) was a really random one, a very unlucky action that kept him out for a few weeks.
“He tried at Anfield and he wasn’t comfortable, and he had to stay away. And this one as well is very bizarre, but hopefully it will be a matter of days.” Even if Saliba recovers in time, caution could see Arsenal again lean on a reshuffled back four rather than risk aggravating the issue.
Further forward, uncertainty surrounds Leandro Trossard, who is nursing a calf injury sustained in last week’s win over Bayern Munich. Gabriel Martinelli or Noni Madueke are ready to step in if required, although Eberechi Eze offers an alternative option should Arteta seek tactical fluidity across the frontline.

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Viktor Gyokeres has returned from a hamstring strain and featured from the bench last weekend, placing him back into contention. However, Mikel Merino’s form during Gyokeres’s absence means continuity could outweigh change.

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Balancing the available personnel with the manager’s cautious approach, the most probable Arsenal predicted lineup remains a 4-3-3 designed to maintain control through midfield while managing defensive risk.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Merino, Madueke
Doubts: Saliba (knock) and Trossard (calf)Injured: Gabriel (thigh) and Havertz (knee)
Time and date: 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, December 3, 2025Venue: Emirates StadiumHow to watch: Sky Sports
This Arsenal lineup underlines Arteta’s balancing act, striving to protect fragile resources while fielding a side strong enough to sustain momentum in a tightly packed Premier League season.
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