Arsenal, not yet mathematically guaranteed a spot in the Champions League for the 2025-26 season, must maintain full focus this weekend as draw specialists, even though European competitions are currently a priority.

The Gunners recorded their 13th Premier League draw of the season against Crystal Palace last week; only Everton (14) have more draws this term, with nine of Arsenal's occurring when they were leading.

No team in the league has more draws from leading positions than Mikel Arteta's side, who narrowly avoided a similar fate in their midweek Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, where Mikel Merino's equalizer was disallowed for offside, allowing Ousmane Dembele to secure the win.

Arsenal's attention now shifts to a potential comeback in Paris next Wednesday, but with slim chances in Europe, a win on Saturday is crucial to prevent their top-five rivals from narrowing the gap to second place even further.

Their recent 4-4-2 thriller with Palace has extended Arsenal's unbeaten run in the Premier League to eight matches, and they boast an 18-match unbeaten streak against top-half teams, though eight of those ended in draws.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth experienced a similar disappointment, taking the lead against Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium via Antoine Semenyo's strike, only to concede a late equalizer from Rasmus Hojlund in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Initially, Bournemouth's Evanilson was carded for a challenge on Noussair Mazraoui, but the decision was overturned after review, though it did little to change the outcome as Andoni Iraola's side drew for the third time in four league games.

Despite the overturned red card, Bournemouth trail eighth-placed Fulham by one point and seventh-placed Aston Villa by seven, keeping their European hopes alive in 10th place.

However, with only one win in their last eight games across all competitions, the Cherries face a tough challenge against Arsenal, who have won all eight of their previous home meetings in all tournaments.

For Arsenal, on-loan Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto is unavailable due to ineligibility, joining long-term absentees Kai Havertz (hamstring), Jorginho (chest), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), and Riccardo Calafiori (knee).

With rest days before and after their PSG tie, Arteta may make minimal changes, potentially including Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ethan Nwaneri, and Thomas Partey, who returns from suspension.

Bournemouth's squad remains largely unchanged, with Evanilson now available after his red card was rescinded, and possible boosts from Luis Sinisterra's return from a hamstring issue, though Enes Unal (knee) and Ryan Christie (groin) are out for the season.

Lewis Cook, dealing with an ankle problem, has featured as a substitute recently and could start in midfield for Alex Scott.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:

Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Evanilson