Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 9/19
Bookmaker: BetUS
Premier League leaders Arsenal head south on Saturday to face Bournemouth in their first fixture of the New Year, aiming to maintain momentum after ending 2025 in emphatic fashion. The Gunners dismantled Aston Villa 4-1 in midweek, while the Cherries’ spirited display at Chelsea yielded only a point and prolonged their winless streak.
Bournemouth
True to their attacking principles, Bournemouth scored in yet another away game at Stamford Bridge, continuing a trend of finding the net in all but one of their league trips this season. However, entertainment did not translate into victory, as Andoni Iraola’s men played out a frenetic 2-2 draw with Chelsea, all four goals arriving inside the opening half-hour.
That result stretched Bournemouth’s winless run to 10 matches in the Premier League. Since beating Nottingham Forest in late October—a result that briefly sparked talk of a European push—the Cherries have slumped, recording five draws and five defeats to tumble down the table. They remain nine points clear of the relegation zone, but their form has cast doubt on Iraola’s long-term prospects.
Adding to their woes, Bournemouth have scored just once in their last three home games, a concerning statistic ahead of Antoine Semenyo’s anticipated departure. Still, Iraola can draw confidence from history: he masterminded a memorable double over Arsenal last season, including a 2-0 win in this very fixture.
Team News
Semenyo, linked with a £65m move to Manchester City, is expected to feature despite speculation over his future. Ben Gannon-Doak (thigh), Veljko Milosavljevic (knee), and Tyler Adams (knee) remain sidelined, while Lewis Cook (neck) and Ryan Christie (knee) face late fitness tests.
Arsenal
Arsenal closed 2025 with a statement victory, dismantling Aston Villa after a cagey first half. Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock from a corner before Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus added gloss to a dominant display. That win marked Arsenal’s sixth in succession across all competitions and their fourth straight in the league, ensuring they enter 2026 atop the Premier League with 83 points collected in the calendar year—more than any other team.
Despite their home brilliance, Arsenal’s away form has been patchy, with just one win in their last four league trips. Encouragingly, that success came in their most recent outing at Everton, and the Gunners have scored in 12 of 13 away matches this season, failing only at Liverpool in August.
Team News
Declan Rice missed the Villa clash with a knee issue but could return, while Gabriel should be fit despite late cramp. Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, and Ben White were all back in the squad midweek, boosting options. Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) and Riccardo Calafiori (unspecified) require checks, and teenage talent Max Dowman remains out. Jesus, who scored within a minute of coming on against Villa, is pushing to start ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal have scored in eight of their nine visits to the Vitality Stadium, but Bournemouth’s double over the Gunners last season—including a 2-0 win here—adds intrigue. Can Iraola repeat the trick, or will Arteta’s men underline their title credentials?
Conclusion
Semenyo’s presence may offer Bournemouth hope, but Arsenal’s attacking fluency and renewed confidence suggest a tough afternoon for the hosts. Expect the Gunners to exploit an Adams-less midfield and begin 2026 with another commanding victory.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 9/19
Bookmaker: BetUS
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
