Coach Mikel Arteta will bet by giving his key players a break against Bournemouth. In fact, it would be much more risky to let them rest instead of playing before the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris St Germain.
Perhaps Arsenal's recent Premier League results and declining form have not attracted much attention. "The Gunners" are still in second place, but can completely be kicked out of the top 5 if they do not regain their spirit soon.
It would be a terrible collapse if Arsenal cannot finish in the top 5 of the Premier League this season. However, luckily for The Gunners, their direct competitors are still facing each other.
Chelsea have to face Liverpool, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest before the end of the season. It will be very difficult for The Blues to win all those matches. However, Arsenal could easily lose their next three games against Bournemouth, Liverpool and then Newcastle. In particular, the "Magpies" have defeated Arsenal three times this season (including 2 matches in the Carabao Cup).
Overall, Arsenal need to win against Southampton on the day of the Premier League break to secure a place in the Champions League. However, Southampton will be determined to get points to ensure they do not end the season as the worst team in Premier League history.
Arsenal have now dropped points in 16 of their 34 Premier League games this season. And they have been considered a candidate for the championship with such form. Arteta's side have also lost their lead nine of their 13 draws this season, including their most recent draw with Crystal Palace.
Therefore, the "Gunners" need to learn a lesson. If they give their key players a break, they could be defeated by Bournemouth. Not to mention the loss of points, Arsenal's spirit will also be affected before the important match with PSG.
Arteta has made a mistake in making the players overwork and practice this season. It was a big problem as Arteta really needs healthy and uninjured players to prepare for the big stage.
The Spaniard let Raheem Sterling play against Palace and this option was ineffective. Riccardo Calafiori is a disastrous signing because with a price of £42 million, he is a large investment. However, not to mention his performance, Calafiori's appearances are too few.
Calafiori has a history of injuries before that, playing in Serie A. Arsenal understand this but they have no choice but to risk using Calafiori as much as possible.
The Gunners should field their strongest squad to play against Bournemouth as they need a win. The current loss of points means that Manchester City can easily take their second place.
Man City are going through one of their worst seasons under coach Pep Guardiola. And what if Arsenal were still below The Citizens in that context?
Arteta's side need to go to Paris in a spirit of excitement, not feeling frustrated after losing points repeatedly. Except for Jurrien Timber, who showed signs of fatigue, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are both likely to start against Bournemouth. This will come with injury risks but Arteta may be forced to do so.
