Arsenal visits Bournemouth this afternoon in an effort to keep their top spot in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s team currently leads by five points over second-placed Manchester City. A win today would increase the pressure on their title challengers. Arsenal concluded 2025 strongly, winning their last four league games. Although they are favorites, they need to avoid complacency at a venue where they faced defeat last season.
The team arrives with confidence after a 4-1 win against Aston Villa earlier this week. Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres are in great goal-scoring form. Arteta aims to manage player fatigue during this busy festive period. Despite injuries in defense, Arsenal’s attacking depth is strong. Thus, they are likely to control possession early to quiet the home crowd at the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal Team News
Arteta faces key decisions in midfield. Declan Rice is doubtful due to knee inflammation and will undergo a late fitness test. The defense will miss Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, who are out with knees and ankle injuries, respectively. Young talent Max Dowman is also not in the matchday squad.
On a positive note, the attacking lineup is boosted with Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz all fit. This marks the first time all three forwards are available for selection together. Leandro Trossard is expected to start after contributing to three goals in his last two matches. Myles Lewis-Skelly might keep his position at left-back, providing enough quality for Arteta to field a strong lineup despite the absents.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
When will the match kick-off?
The Premier League match is at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, 3 January 2026, starting at 17:30 GMT.
How to watch Bournemouth vs Arsenal?
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 17:00 GMT.
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