Jesus dropped, 2 big changes | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Bournemouth with Merino decision made | OneFootball

Arsenal will be eyeing a third-straight Premier League win when they face Bournemouth on the road this evening.

The Gunners are presently on 17 points after seven matches into the season and they can temporarily move to the top of the table with a victory at the Vitality Stadium.

Manager Mikel Arteta could make few changes from the 3-1 comeback win over Southampton.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has been exceptional in goal for the Gunners this term with world-class saves. He has established himself as an undisputed starter between the sticks.

The backline could stay the same from the Saints win. Thomas Partey did exceptionally well from right-back in the absence of Ben White and Jurrien Timber.

White and Timber are back in training, but Arteta did not confirm whether they would be fit to start. Takehiro Tomiyasu has suffered a fresh knee concern.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are nailed-on starters in central defence while Riccardo Calafiori should likewise continue from the left-back position.

In midfield, we expect a change with Jorginho dropping to the bench. Mikel Merino has had sufficient training sessions after his return from a shoulder fracture.

The Spaniard should get the nod in the number six role with Declan Rice operating alongside him.

Further forward, Bukayo Saka should be fit to start after a minor hamstring issue. England boss Lee Carsley said that he could have faced Finland earlier this week.

However, we are not sure over Gabriel Martinelli who was an unused substitute against Peru as he was reportedly struggling with a muscle edema in his right calf.

Arteta is unlikely to take any risks and Raheem Sterling could start on the left wing once more.

Leandro Trossard has stepped up brilliantly in the injury absence of Martin Odegaard.

The Belgian should line up from the number 10 role with Kai Havertz leading the attack.

Gabriel Jesus is set to drop to the bench after an underwhelming display last time around.

How Arsenal should line up vs Bournemouth

Stats from Transfermarkt.com