Bournemouth vs Arsenal – Match Preview and Team News | OneFootball

Arsenal travel to the south coast on Saturday afternoon with significant momentum after their clinical 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta’s side entered 2026 as the Premier League’s team to beat. They amassed a league-high 83 points over the previous calendar year. Consequently, the Gunners currently lead the standings and aim to extend their lead at the summit. However, the visitors will remember their struggles against the Cherries last season. Bournemouth famously executed a shock league double over Arsenal, including a 2-0 win in this exact fixture.

Bournemouth currently sit 15th in the table and are desperate to halt a worrying slide. Andoni Iraola’s side is mired in a ten-match winless run. This represents their longest such sequence within a single top-flight campaign. Despite this poor run, the Cherries remain a tough nut to crack at the Vitality Stadium. They have lost just two of their last 13 home league games. Crucially, they have taken 16 of their 22 points this season on home soil. Therefore, Arsenal must be at their best to avoid another slip-up against their “bogey” team.

Bournemouth vs Arsenal – Match Preview and Team News

Team News

Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola confirmed that star forward Antoine Semenyo is available for selection. This news comes despite heavy speculation about his potential £65 million move to Manchester City. However, the squad remains heavily depleted elsewhere. Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon-Doak, and Tyler Adams are all ruled out with various knee and thigh injuries. Furthermore, Veljko Milosavljevic remains sidelined. A late decision will be made on Lewis Cook. He missed the recent draw with Chelsea due to a neck issue.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta faces several fitness concerns following the high-intensity win over Aston Villa. Declan Rice is a major doubt because of knee inflammation. A final decision on his availability will happen after Friday’s training session. Additionally, defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are definitely out. Teenage talent Max Dowman is also unavailable. On a positive note, the Gunners’ attacking depth is strong. Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz are all fit and available.

Form

Bournemouth

The Cherries have plummeted down the rankings since late October. They are winless in their last 10 league matches. Notably, Antoine Semenyo remains their focal point. He leads the club in goals, assists, and total shots this term. Bournemouth have also struggled historically against league leaders. They have lost 12 of their 13 Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table.

Arsenal

Arsenal have been incredibly resilient lately. They have lost just one of their last 16 Premier League games. Furthermore, they arrive having won four league matches on the bounce. Leandro Trossard has become their most productive player this season. He leads the squad in both goals and assists. Mikel Arteta will hope his side can maintain this clinical edge to stay ahead in the title race.

Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth predicted XI: Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Tavernier; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson

Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

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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