English Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to Bournemouth on Saturday evening hoping to kick off the new year with yet another victory.
The Gunners remain top with 45 points, while Bournemouth dropped to 15th place with 23 points after 19 games. Arsenal cruised to an impressive 4-1 win against Aston Villa in their midweek test, while the Cherries were held to a 2-2 draw by Chelsea.
The win against Villa was Arsenal’s sixth consecutive victory in all competitions and they have scored in 12 of their last 13 away matches in the Premier League.
Bournemouth have also found the back of the net in all but one for their away games and will need to be at their best to keep out Mikel Arteta’s side here.
The Cherries completed a rare double over Arsenal last season but the latter are keen to make amends and exert their revenge on Saturday at the Vitality Stadium.
Team news
Despite a transfer to Manchester City being imminent, Antoine Semenyo is expected to start in what could be his last game for the Cherries. Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook remain sidelined through injury. Evanilson has not scored in a few weeks but will still lead the attacking line as well as Justin Kluivert and Semenyo.
Declan Rice was absent against Villa but Arteta confirmed that he will be available here. Gabriel Jesus found the back of the net in midweek and will start ahead of Victor Gyokeres. Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard are also expected to retain their places in the starting XI.
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Head-to-head and current form
There has not been a draw in this fixture in the last five encounters, Arsenal winning thrice compared to Bournemouths two victories. The Cherries are without a win in their last 10 matches.
Current form
Bournemouth – DLDDD
Arsenal – WWDWW
Previous games
Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth (May 3, 2025)
Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal (Oct 19, 2024)
Arsenal 2-1 Bournemouth (July 25, 2024)
Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth (May 4, 2024)
Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal (Sept 30, 2023)
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Prediction
The last time there was less than two goals scored in this fixture was back in 2019. We can expect goals in this match as well, with over 2.5 goals @1.65 odds providing a worthy option.
Photo: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
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