Match Overview
AFC Bournemouth host Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in a Premier League fixture that tests the hosts’ improving home rhythm against the leaders’ disciplined away form. Bournemouth seek to leverage recent momentum and a full squad, while Arsenal aim to extend strong defensive numbers on the road. The sides produced goals in recent meetings, and Bournemouth’s win last May adds intrigue. Expect a measured, tactical contest with fine margins likely to decide it.
- Fixture: AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Vitality Stadium
- Date: 03-01-2026
- Kickoff: 17:30 GMT / 17:30 UTC
Predicted Lineups
AFC Bournemouth
- D. Petrovic
- A. Truffert
- M. Senesi
- B. Diakité
- Álex Jiménez
- M. Tavernier
- L. Cook
- A. Adli
- R. Christie
- A. Semenyo
- E. Kroupi
Arsenal
- David Raya
- W. Saliba
- R. Calafiori
- J. Timber
- P. Hincapié
- D. Rice
- Martín Zubimendi
- Mikel Merino
- M. Ødegaard
- V. Gyokeres
- B. Saka
Injury & Suspension Report
AFC Bournemouth
None
Arsenal
None
Head-to-Head
Recent meetings between these clubs have been open, with just over three goals per game across the last six clashes. Historically, Arsenal have held the upper hand, winning 12 of the 17 encounters, with Bournemouth taking three and two ending level. Bournemouth’s 2-1 victory last May shows the hosts can trouble Arsenal when they execute cleanly.
Match Analysis & Prediction
Bournemouth’s home form points to a side comfortable in structured games that hinge on transitions and wide play. They have scored five in their last five home outings and look to press methodically, though their shape can be exposed, as seen in a heavy defeat to Brentford. With no absences, Andoni Iraola’s options (not specified here) can lean into tempo control, with A. Semenyo’s movement a key outlet after netting nine this season, including three in his last three.
Arsenal arrive with a consistent away return: two wins and two draws in their last five on the road, with eight goals scored. Their defensive base has been strong, with David Raya contributing to back-to-back clean sheets recently and nine shutouts across 27 matches this season. While they have at times found it harder to break down comparable opponents, their spine featuring D. Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino provides control for M. Ødegaard to connect with wide threats like B. Saka and the focal point V. Gyokeres.
In a clash where Bournemouth’s Cherries aim to unsettle Arsenal’s precise passing game, coastal grit meets North London flair.
The tactical battle should revolve around Bournemouth’s press and quick switches versus Arsenal’s ability to circulate and pin the game in advanced zones. If Bournemouth win turnovers in midfield, runners like E. Kroupi and A. Semenyo can attack space quickly. Conversely, Arsenal’s back line of W. Saliba, R. Calafiori, J. Timber and P. Hincapié is built to absorb and reset, enabling progression through Rice and Zubimendi.
Key matchups include Bournemouth’s wide progression against Arsenal’s full-backs, and Ødegaard’s influence between the lines against L. Cook and R. Christie. The visitors will look to sustain pressure without overcommitting, mindful of Bournemouth’s ability to exploit gaps. Given the hosts’ recent solidity and the visitors’ defensive trend, the margins look tight.
Prediction: Arsenal to edge a narrow win, 2-1.