Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Premier League Preview, Prediction and Key Talking Points

Arsenal arrive on the south coast riding genuine momentum. The 4-1 victory over Aston Villa made it four wins on the spin for Mikel Arteta’s side, an emphatic response to their early December defeat at Villa Park. 

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are scrapping to stabilise. Results have dipped, performances have wobbled, yet the Vitality Stadium remains a minor fortress. Just one home defeat in the Premier League this season and only six goals conceded across nine matches show a team far harder to open up than their league position might imply. If Arsenal expect a procession, they’ll be sorely mistaken.

Team News and Selection Headaches

Andoni Iraola has a growing injury list. Lewis Cook is a doubt, while Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Matai Akinmboni and Veljko Milosavljevic are ruled out. One unexpected subplot has come via the goalkeeping department. Former Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been signed and registered in time to secure a spot on the bench. It’s a pragmatic piece of squad management, rather than a signal of upheaval.

Arsenal’s biggest concern centres on Declan Rice, absent against Villa due to a knee issue and remains a doubt for this one. With Liverpool on the horizon, Arteta is expected to play it safe.

Photo IMAGO

Gabriel, who scored on his return, should be available despite a second half withdrawal. Fitness isn’t the issue, rhythm and load are. Starting twice in short succession may stretch the elastic, but Arsenal need his aerial control against a Bournemouth side that thrive on organised chaos in both boxes. Gabriel Jesus is lobbying for a start after scoring off the bench, while Eberechi Eze, an unused substitute in the past three Premier League matches, could be in line for minutes. Competition is no bad thing, but balance matters more.

Bournemouth vs Arsenal Tactical View

This is likely to be a tight, attritional affair. Bournemouth defend low and defend smart, conceding space, but rarely conceding control. Arsenal’s away form has improved in results, if not always in aesthetics, and patience will again be tested. The game may hinge on one clean strike, one set piece win, or one moment of defensive lapse. Scorelines in these fixtures tend to tell a story of fine margins, 2-0 last season, 2-0 again in the reverse, 4-1 midweek, 1-0 predicted here. This one feels more like the latter.

Score Prediction: Bournemouth 0-1 Arsenal

Fans in the UK can watch live on Sky Sports from 5.30pm GMT today.