Overview
- Arteta said on Friday the swelling in Rice’s knee had “not yet” gone down and that his availability would hinge on a final training check.
- Rice was seen with the squad on the south coast pre-match before confirmed line-ups listed him in Arsenal’s starting XI.
- Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori remain out, while Gabriel is fit to partner William Saliba in central defense.
- Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard drop to the bench as Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli start on the wings, with Viktor Gyökeres leading the line and Gabriel Jesus among the substitutes.
- Top of the table Arsenal can move six points clear with a win at the Vitality Stadium, with Manchester City to play on Sunday.