Here is the Bournemouth vs Arsenal prediction article which breaks down form, key players and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
The match will be staged at Vitality Stadium on Saturday January, 3 2026.
Kickoff is at 8.30pm EAT.

Premier League leaders Arsenal will usher in the New Year with a tricky trip to the south coast as they face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening, aiming to maintain their grip at the summit of the table.

The Gunners arrive in confident mood after producing one of their most commanding performances of the season in midweek, dismantling Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth continue to search for a long-awaited victory after extending their winless run with a dramatic but ultimately frustrating 2-2 draw away to Chelsea.

ALSO READ: Arsenal table & standings 2025/2026

Bournemouth vs Arsenal match preview

Arsenal’s demolition of Villa was another statement of intent in what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.

After a cagey opening period, Mikel Arteta’s side found their rhythm in the second half, sparked once again by Gabriel Magalhães rising highest from a corner.

Goals from Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus followed, underlining the squad’s growing depth and confidence.

That result ensured Arsenal ended 2025 with more league points than any other Premier League side and extended their winning run to six matches across all competitions.

While their recent away record in the league has not been flawless, victories at Everton and consistent scoring on the road suggest the Gunners are well-equipped for another stern test.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, remain stuck in a difficult spell. Despite their commitment to expansive football under Andoni Iraola, results have not followed.

The Cherries have now gone 10 league matches without a win, a run that has seen them slide down the table after an encouraging start to the campaign.

Their latest outing at Stamford Bridge summed up their season flashes of quality, moments of vulnerability and a familiar feeling of what might have been.

Bournemouth scored twice inside the opening half hour but were unable to protect their advantage, settling for a point that does little to ease growing pressure.

Still, Arsenal will not take this fixture lightly. Bournemouth memorably completed a league double over the Gunners last season, including a 2-0 victory in this very fixture. The hosts will draw confidence from that history, even if current form tells a different story.

Bournemouth vs Arsenal team news

Arsenal will assess Declan Rice ahead of kick-off after the midfielder missed the Villa clash with a minor knee issue.

Arteta remains optimistic, while Gabriel Magalhães is expected to feature despite suffering late cramp in midweek. Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Ben White have all returned to the squad, though Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori remain doubts.

For Bournemouth, Antoine Semenyo is expected to play despite ongoing transfer speculation linking him with Manchester City.

However, Tyler Adams, Ben Gannon-Doak and Veljko Milosavljevic are ruled out, with Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie facing late fitness tests.

Possible Line-ups

Bournemouth: Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Tavernier; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi,Merino; Saka, Jesus, Trossard