The Premier League action kicks off the new year with an intriguing clash as Bournemouth host title-chasing Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium. With Arsenal sitting atop the league table and Bournemouth battling in mid-table, this January 3, 2026, fixture promises plenty of drama. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bournemouth vs Arsenal match preview, including team news, potential lineups, head-to-head stats, and our score prediction.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 5:30pm GMT / 12:30pm ET
- Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
Arsenal enter the game as league leaders with an impressive record of 14 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses so far in the 2025/2026 season. Bournemouth, meanwhile, sit in 15th place with 5 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses, desperate to turn around a patchy run of form.
Team News and Injury Updates
Both sides have selection headaches heading into this Premier League encounter.
Bournemouth Team News
The Cherries could be without several key players. Antoine Semenyo is expected to feature despite ongoing transfer speculation linking him to Manchester City, with manager Andoni Iraola keen to utilize him. However, Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook are doubts and face late fitness tests. Confirmed absentees include Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Matai Akinmboni, and Veljko Milosavljevic due to injuries.
Bournemouth’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five league games, putting pressure on Iraola to deliver against the Gunners.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta’s side is sweating over Declan Rice, who missed their recent 4-1 victory over Aston Villa with a knee issue. He’s unlikely to be risked ahead of a crucial clash with Liverpool. Gabriel is fit after scoring on his return but was substituted as a precaution. Gabriel Jesus is pushing for a start after netting as a substitute, while Eberechi Eze could see more minutes after being unused in recent outings. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined.
Arsenal are on a four-game winning streak in the Premier League, showcasing their title credentials with dominant performances.
Potential Lineups
Lineups are subject to change based on final fitness checks, but here’s how both teams could line up in this Bournemouth vs Arsenal clash.
Bournemouth Potential Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Petrović
- Defenders: Smith, Diakité, Senesi, Truffert
- Midfielders: Scott, Tavernier
- Forwards: Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
This setup emphasizes Bournemouth’s counter-attacking style, with Semenyo providing pace on the wing.
Arsenal Potential Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Raya
- Defenders: Timber/White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié
- Midfielders: Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Eze
- Forwards: Saka/Madueke, Jesus/Gyökeres, Trossard/Martinelli
Arteta may rotate slightly to manage fatigue, with Jesus potentially leading the line and Saka rested for fresher legs like Madueke.
Score Prediction
Given Arsenal’s superior form and squad depth, we predict a comfortable away win. Bournemouth’s home advantage and recent upsets against the Gunners add intrigue, but Arteta’s men should prevail.
Prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal
