{"id":4540,"date":"2026-04-10T20:45:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T20:45:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=4540"},"modified":"2026-04-10T20:45:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T20:45:45","slug":"arsenal-line-ups-vs-bournemouth-decided-as-max-dowman-starts-and-full-backs-rotated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=4540","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal line-ups vs Bournemouth decided as Max Dowman starts and full-backs rotated"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_790335\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">football.london reporters select their Arsenal starting XIs for the crunch Premier League clash against Bournemouth<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33724816\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33724816.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2270110281.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33724816.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_GettyImages-2270110281.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33724816.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_GettyImages-2270110281.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33724816.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2270110281.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Tom Canton and Ryan Taylor are backing Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman to start for Arsenal vs Bournemouth\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Tom Canton and Ryan Taylor are backing Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman to start for Arsenal vs Bournemouth<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">This is arguably Arsenal&#8217;s biggest game of the season yet as they have the chance to move a whopping 12 points clear of Manchester City.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It&#8217;s an opportunity they cannot fluff ahead of next week&#8217;s unmissable match-up with City at the Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">For that reason, Mikel Arteta must go strong but equally, it appears he has a few key injury problems to contend with.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">football.london<\/strong> reporters Tom Canton and Ryan Taylor have picked their starting XIs to face Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! <a aria-label=\"Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook pageLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AFCFootball.London#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"HeadingTwo_heading-two__4TTeG  __className_dcb0ad\">Tom Canton &#8211; Chief Arsenal Reporter<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">This is such a massive game and I think that Arsenal need a big and aggressive start to this match in order to lift an early kick-off crowd who tend to be in a bit of a slumber as a result of the match time. Therefore I am going aggressive with the attacking selection of this team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">With the issues at right and left back, I have picked a team with balance, allowing Lewis-Skelly, who covers the potentially absent Calafiori and Hincapie, to move into midfield. Mosquera, meanwhile, holds the line at right back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Zubimendi and Rice will then be tasked with supporting a direct, creative and big-moment front four. Gyokeres stays in the box and runs the centre line, with Madueke, Dowman and Eze designed to carry, penetrate and create for the big man and get off shots when they can around the Bournemouth box.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Canton\u2019s Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth:<\/strong> Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Dowman; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-33707676\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33707676\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.55\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Max Dowman\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707676.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707676.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707676.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33707676.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Max Dowman could earn his first Premier League start for Arsenal\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Max Dowman could earn his first Premier League start for Arsenal<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"HeadingTwo_heading-two__4TTeG  __className_dcb0ad\">Ryan Taylor<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Mikel Arteta&#8217;s coy injury update has created an element of intrigue ahead of his crucial match-up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">I was at the game last May when Bournemouth scored two second-half goals from set-pieces to stun Arsenal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Ben White has played a fair bit of football of late, so I would go for Cristhian Mosquera at right-back as he&#8217;s a sturdy and trustworthy defender, who will also provide height when attacking and defending set-plays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes pick themselves while Myles Lewis-Skelly could be in for only his second Premier League start of the season if Riccardo Calafiori is not available.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">I&#8217;d bring Eberechi Eze in as the No.10 with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi behind him in the centre of the park.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Max Dowman has to start for me, I am such a huge fan and feel he&#8217;s more than ready to make an impact from the beginning while I&#8217;d also go with Gabriel Martinelli on the left and Viktor Gyokeres in attack.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Martinelli&#8217;s assist in the week was impressive as it seems rare that he comes inside &#8211; he usually hits the byline &#8211; and I liked the small adjustments he made in Lisbon in possession.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Kai Havertz is unlucky not to start following his winner in Portugal, too but he could be set for a key role from the bench as a &#8220;finisher&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Taylor&#8217;s Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth:<\/strong> Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Dowman, Gyokeres, Martinelli<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article29688868.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>football.london reporters select their Arsenal starting XIs for the crunch Premier League clash against Bournemouth Tom Canton and Ryan Taylor are backing Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman to start for Arsenal vs Bournemouth This is arguably Arsenal&#8217;s biggest game of the season yet as they have the chance to move a whopping 12 points clear [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4541,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4540"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4540\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}