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[Image] Predicted Arsenal XI to face Bournemouth – Can Arteta begin Gunners career with a win?

Arsenal Prediction: Probable XI to face Bournemouth

Arsenal travel to Bournemouth on Boxing Day in what would be Spaniard Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge as Gunners manager.

The former Arsenal skipper comes in as a replacement for Unai Emery and interim coach Freddie Ljungberg after a string of poor results saw them go down to 11th in the league table.

New Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
New Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. (Getty Images)

Arsenal are going through one of their most torrid spells in recent times, having won just one of their last 13 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, their opponents Bournemouth are not in the best of positions either, after losing six of their last seven Premier League games.

Arteta would be keen to start things on a good note on his managerial debut when he faces Eddie Howe’s Cherries in a match featuring two struggling sides in the league.

Team news

Centre-back Calum Chambers, who featured in the last game against Everton, will sit out due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers barks orders to his teammates. (Getty Images)
Arsenal defender Calum Chambers barks orders to his teammates. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney (shoulder), Sead Kolasinac (ankle), Rob Holding (knee) and Dani Ceballos (hamstring) all remain sidelined as they recover from the respective injuries. However, Mesut Ozil and Hector Bellerin, who were left out of the game against Toffees, could make a return.

The young Gabriel Martinelli is also doubtful after sustaining a thigh injury and would only feature if found fit ahead of the game against the Cherries.

Arsenal Prediction: Probable line-up

Formation: 4-3-3

Bernd Leno (GK)

Unlike his teammates, the German has been a standout performer with his crucial saves.

First-choice keeper Bernd Leno.
Arsenal first-choice keeper Bernd Leno. (Getty Images)

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)

With Bellerin still a doubt, Arteta might prefer the youngster. He has a lot to improve technically but has been a decent standby player so far.

David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian defender looks like a shadow of his past after arriving at the Emirates but with injury concerns abundant, he might feature once again.

Sokratis (CB)

With Chambers sitting out due to suspension, the Greek centre-back would be given the responsibility to hold the line at the back alongside Luiz.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. (Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka (LB)

Despite his inexperience playing in such a role, the youngster was good against Everton and continued to bomb down the flank extensively.

Matteo Guendouzi (LCM)

The youngster has been a regular presence in the Gunners midfield this season and Arteta might be keen to try him out with an eye on the future.

Lucas Torreira (CM)

The Uruguayan should play in his favoured holding midfield role. He is also equally adept in pushing ahead with his link-up game.

Granit Xhaka (RCM)

Featured in the last game against Everton and Arteta might want his seasoned midfielder to lead the game in the middle.

Lucas Torreira in action. (Getty Images)
Lucas Torreira in action for Arsenal. (Getty Images)

Nicolas Pepe (RW)

Arteta might want to make a statement by selecting Pepe. He could use his skills and trickery to maximum effect against the Cherries.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)

He had a horrendous game against Everton. The Gunners top-scorer has scored just 1 goal in his last 5 games and would be keen to be back among the goals.

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Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

He is a good poacher and should be given the finisher’s role. Arteta’s arrival could open the doors for the Frenchman, who has been out of form lately.

Arsenal prediction