Bournemouth – Arsenal: Gunners want to kick off 2026 in charge 
On Saturday Arsenal heads to Bournemouth to kick off the new year. Top of the Premier League, the Londoners want to keep their impressive run going. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are still trying to stop a worrying slide.
Arsenal: full confidence, despite a few absences 
Arsenal travel to the south brimming with certainty. The 4-1 display against Aston Villa midweek proved Mikel Arteta’s attack can decide games in minutes. After a tight first half, the Gunners kicked on, led by Gabriel, Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.
They finished 2025 with the highest points total in the division and are on six wins in a row in all competitions. Their away form’s a touch less shiny, but Arsenal score almost every time on the road — only one goalless away game this season.
There’s a bit of doubt over Declan Rice after a knee knock, but Arteta’s played it down. The return of key men like Gabriel, Timber and Havertz only beefs up an already strong squad.
Bournemouth: must stop the slide 
Bournemouth are in a rough patch. Even after a cracking 2-2 at Chelsea, the Cherries haven’t won in the league in ten games. That run has dropped them down the table, although they’re not in the relegation zone yet.
Iraola’s attacking football still creates chances, but the finishing and defensive solidity are missing. At home they’re struggling too — one goal in their last three matches at the Vitality.
They can still rely on Antoine Semenyo, linked with a move but available for this game. But several key absences weaken the midfield and defensive rotation.
Probable lineups
Bournemouth: Petrovic, Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Scott, Tavernier, Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo, Evanilson
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Jesus, Trossard
What to watch
- Arsenal are on an impressive winning run in all competitions.
- Bournemouth haven’t won in the league for weeks.
- The Gunners score on almost every away trip.
- The start could be lively — Bournemouth like to press high at home.
Football Prediction
Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Arsenal to win
Confident and superior on paper, Arsenal look set to expose Bournemouth’s current weaknesses. Even with Semenyo, the Cherries seem too light to withstand the Gunners’ intensity over 90 minutes — Arsenal should start 2026 with an away win.
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