Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are doubts for Arsenal's Premier League clash with Bournemouth. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Saka starts, Martinelli misses out, Timber decision made - Arsenal predicted XI vs Bournemouth

football.london takes a look at how Mikel Arteta could line the Gunners side up for their Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium

by · football.london

Mikel Arteta was knocking on wood before the international break hoping for better injury luck this time around. It did not do the trick.

The Arsenal manager has no fewer than six injury doubts heading into Saturday's clash with Bournemouth. Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu are definitely out of the game, while late decisions will be made on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Goalkeeper Neto is also ineligible to play against his parent club, reducing Arteta's options even further.

Still though, the Spaniard will know that he cannot afford to slip up. Manchester City and Liverpool are already setting the pace at the top of the Premier League, and it's crucial that Arsenal don't drop points.

Arteta also has a midweek Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk to consider, and with all that going on, it's absolutely vital that he gets his team selection right. Here's who football.london are expecting the Spaniard to start at the Vitality Stadium.

Centre back - William Saliba

William Saliba has fond memories of a superb goal at Bournemouth two years ago where his chant was born. He'll be hoping to hear a lot more of it back at the Vitality Stadium this time around.(Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Centre back - Gabriel

Gabriel had a positive international break with Brazil. He'll be looking to keep up his top quality form now he's back with Arsenal.(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Left back - Riccardo Calafiori

With Timber a doubt and Oleksandr Zinchenko not match fit after a long time out, Riccardo Calafiori should continue his run in the side. He's been in good form recently and will want to keep that up.(Image: Getty Images)

Central midfield - Thomas Partey

Arteta has confirmed that Partey is fit after missing the international break due to illness. Expect him to start on the south coast as a result.(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Central midfield - Declan Rice

Rice grabbed a goal for England over the international break. He'll be hoping to do that for Arsenal down at Bournemouth.(Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Right wing - Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka was a doubt for this game after missing England's second match with a hamstring injury. Arteta has said that it's not a serious problem though, so expect him to start at Bournemouth.

Left wing - Raheem Sterling

Gabriel Martinelli is a massive doubt for this one after missing Brazil's match against Peru with a calf problem. With such strong options to replace him, it's unlikely that any risks will be taken. Expect Raheem Sterling to get the nod in his place.(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))

Attacking midfield - Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard grabbed a goal for Belgium over the international break. He has been in fine form for Arsenal filling in for Martin Odegaard and will look to keep that up on the south coast.(Image: (Photo by Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))

Centre forward - Kai Havertz

Havertz grabbed his famous first goal at Bournemouth last season. He says it's the day where everything changed for him at Arsenal. He'll hope to make more fond memories this time around.(Image: Getty Images)