Arsenal travel to Bournemouth this afternoon while they seek to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side currently holds a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. Consequently, a victory today would put immense pressure on their title rivals. The Gunners ended 2025 in clinical fashion, winning their last four league matches. While they are heavy favourites, they must avoid complacency at a venue where they lost last season.
The visitors arrive with massive confidence after dismantling Aston Villa 4-1 earlier this week. Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres have been in prolific form in front of goal. Now, Arteta wants to ensure his squad manages the fatigue of a congested festive schedule. Despite several injury concerns in the defensive unit, the Gunners’ attacking depth is currently at its strongest. Therefore, Arsenal will likely look to control possession early to silence the home crowd at the Vitality.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta is managing a significant selection headache in midfield. Declan Rice remains a major doubt after suffering from knee inflammation. A late fitness test will determine if he can feature in the starting XI. Additionally, the defence is missing Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera. Both players are sidelined with knee and ankle injuries, respectively. Teenage sensation Max Dowman also misses out on the matchday squad.
However, the Gunners received a major boost in the attacking department. Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz are all fit and available. This is the first time all three strikers have been ready for selection at once. Leandro Trossard is also expected to start after providing three goal contributions in his last two games. In defence, Myles Lewis-Skelly could retain his place at left-back. Consequently, Arteta has enough quality to name a formidable lineup despite the missing personnel.
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 fixture takes place at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, 3 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 GMT.
How to watch Bournemouth vs Arsenal?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT.
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