Arteta advised to drop players for the match at Bournemouth otherwise points will be dropped

By Danong

Arsenal's first match following the October international break will be against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Given Arsenal's league schedule for the upcoming weeks, one might assume this is the Gunners' easiest game.

Arsenal's next 5 PL fixtures:

▪️Bournemouth vs Arsenal
▪️Arsenal vs Liverpool
▪️Newcastle vs Arsenal
▪️Chelsea vs Arsenal
▪️Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

On paper, it is an easy game, but Paul Merson has a warning for coach Mikel Arteta and his side. 

On Sportskeeda the Arsenal legend predicts a 3-1 victory for the Gunners, but he believes that Arsenal should make changes to the lineup that defeated Southampton 3-1 before the break in order to pull off such a win.

Merson stated, "I think Arsenal's quality will come through in the end here though, I expect them to win. But they will have to make changes to the line-up that played against Southampton. If they play that same team, they won't beat Bournemouth."

Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling made unusual starts against Southampton and their performances raised concerns. So I imagine Merson would want the two benched. 

Thomas Partey played right back in that game and he was decent there. However with Ben White reportedly back fit after missing the last few Arsenal games, he should return to play right back.

I believe Arteta will play Raya in goal, with White, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori in the back four.

In midfield, Partey would be the #6, Mikel Merino the LCM (to get him ready for the Liverpool game) and Declan Rice the RCM (a position he's excelled at while with England).

With Gabriel Martinelli arriving late and being an injury doubt, we'd expect in-form Leandro Trossard to play left wing, Kai Havertz to strike and Bukayo Saka to play right wing.

On paper, this looks like a strong lineup to give Bournemouth a battle they'll never forget at the Vitality Stadium.

But who would you start?