Arsenal v Bournemouth LIVE: Lewis-Skelly makes rare start for injury-hit leaders as Premier League run-in begins | OneFootball

Eberechi Eze returns to the bench as Arsenal host Bournemouth in the Premier League (Getty Images)

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Bournemouth knowing they can stretch their lead at the top of the table to 12 points with a victory before Manchester City go to Chelsea tomorrow.

Mikel Arteta’s side have lost the Carabao Cup final and crashed out of the FA Cup since their last Premier League fixture a month ago, but the title race has finally entered the run-in with the Gunners just seven games away from a first title since 2004.

A trip to Pep Guardiola’s side, who beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, looms large next week and Arteta’s team will be determined to take as healthy an advantage as possible to the Etihad for a potential title decider.

Bournemouth, though, could be an awkward opponent, with Andoni Iraola’s side beating Arsenal at the Emirates last season. The Cherries also remain in the hunt for what would be a historic European football qualification.

Mikel Arteta confirms Martin Odegaard misses out due to injury

On Odegaard: “It’s a very important player for us but he had a niggle in midweek and he’s not available today.”

On Lewis-Skelly: Riccy [Calafiori] is out and Hincapie is just returning from injury. Myles is a top player.”

Jamie Braidwood11 April 2026 12:25

Mikel Arteta wants 'full gas, full domination' from Arsenal against Bournemouth

Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports, ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth at the Emirates.

“It’s an early kick-off so go right from the beginning, set the tempo, set the domination. Go for it. Full domination, full gas. Let’s do what we’ve been doing for nine months.”

Jamie Braidwood11 April 2026 12:21

Mikel Arteta's message to Arsenal fans before facing Bournemouth

Arsenal are playing a Premier League game at 12:30pm on a Saturday for just the third time this season and Mikel Arteta’s message to the Gunners fans was clear as they bid to go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

“The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us,” he said.

“The players know it, our supporters know it. It's an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, and let's go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”

Jamie Braidwood11 April 2026 11:35