Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

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Evening Standard

·1 January 2026

Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Gunners take on Bournemouth side desperate for a change of fortunes

Arsenal face Bournemouth in their first game of the new year this weekend.

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Confidence in the Arsenal camp will be high following a statement performance over Aston Villa on Tuesday night as a 4-1 win opened up a five point lead at the Premier League summit.

That result made it four wins in a row for Mikel Arteta’s side, bouncing back from defeat at Villa Park in early December as they seek to end their long wait to be crowned champions of England.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are now without a win in ten matches after drawing 2-2 at Chelsea and manager Andoni Iraola has been linked with the vacant post at Stamford Bridge after Enzo Maresca’s sudden exit.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game…

Date, kick-off time and venue

Bournemouth vs Arsenal is scheduled for a 5.30pm GMT kick-off on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

The match will take place at the Vitality Stadium.

Where to watch Bournemouth vs Arsenal

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League ahead of kick-off at 5.30pm.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.

Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights shortly after the final whistle with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.30pm GMT.

Bournemouth vs Arsenal team news

Bournemouth have question marks over Antoine Semenyo’s involvement. The winger is thought to be closing in on a move to Manchester City, but Iraola is keen to have the Ghana international available for selection.

An update is expected when the Spaniard addresses the media during the pre-match press conference.

Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook are doubts, but Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Matai Akinmboni and Veljko Milosavljevic will all miss out through injury.

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Declan Rice after he sat out the win over Villa with a knee issue. With the home clash against Liverpool looming, Arteta is unlikely to take any risks.

Gabriel, a scorer on his return to action, should be fit despite being replaced in the second half on Tuesday night. Though, whether he can start two games in quick succession remains to be seen.

Gabriel Jesus is pushing for a start after scoring as a substitute against Villa, while Eberechi Eze is hoping for some minutes having been an unusued substitute in the last three Premier League matches.

Doubtful: Declan Rice

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Bournemouth vs Arsenal prediction

Bournemouth are in poor form at the moment, but they’ve only lost once at home in the Premier League so far this season and have conceded just six goals in nine matches.

Therefore, we expect this to be a diffcult game for Arsenal - especially considering their recent struggles on the road - where one goal could be enough for another precious three points.

Arsenal to win, 1-0.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Bournemouth did the double over Arsenal last season, including a 2-0 win in the corresponding fixture where William Saliba was sent-off in the first half.

Bournemouth wins: 3

Arsenal wins: 13

Draws: 2