Football Previews

Bournemouth vs Arsenal preview, predictions and team news

By John Smith

Bournemouth vs Arsenal | Premier League predictions

Published: 14:15, 26 December 2019 | Updated: 12:18, 25 February 2020

Arsenal travel to Bournemouth on Boxing Day in Mikel Arteta’s first game as manager.

The Spaniard has taken the reins at the Emirates following the sacking of Unai Emery and an interim spell under Freddie Ljungberg, having spent the past few years as Pep Guardiola‘s assistant at Manchester City.

The Gunners have won just one of their last 13 games across all competitions and the job facing Arteta is a big one. However, in Bournemouth, they face an opponent equally struggling as the Cherries are on a run of just one win in seven Premier League games.

Can Arteta make the perfect start to his managerial career or will Bournemouth inflict further misery on the Gunners? Read on for our preview, predictions, team news and TV coverage information.

When is Bournemouth vs Arsenal and where can I watch live?

Competition: Premier League

Venue: Vitality Stadium

Date: Thursday, 26 December 2019

Kick-off: 3:00 PM (UK time)

TV coverage (UK): The game is not available on traditional TV but can be live streamed on Amazon Prime.

Last five meetings: Bournemouth vs Arsenal

06 Oct 2019Arsenal 1-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)

27 Feb 2019Arsenal 5-1 Bournemouth (Premier League)

25 Nov 2018Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal (Premier League)

14 Jan 2018Bournemouth 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

09 Sep 2017Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)

Aggregate Score: Bournemouth (LLLWL) 4-12 Arsenal (WWWLW)

Ones to watch

Bournemouth: Callum Wilson

Bournemouth have been desperately short of goals so far this season and if that’s to change, they’re going to need a drastic improvement from England international Callum Wilson.

The 27-year-old returned to action from the bench against Burnley at the weekend but has just five goals in 17 Premier League appearances this term – maybe a shaky Arsenal defence is the tonic he needs?

Key stat: Wilson is without a goal in his last 10 Bournemouth appearances.

Arsenal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal are similarly blunt in front of goal right now and if that is to change, they need much more from star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The former Borussia Dortmund man was nothing short of terrible against Everton on Saturday, completing just six passes at an accuracy rate of 38 per cent throughout the entire match and having just 21 touches of the ball.

Aubameyang is lethal in front of goal, but the Gunners must look to get him more involved in open play.

Key stat: Aubameyang has scored just one goal in his last five Arsenal appearances.

Team news

Bournemouth

Arsenal

Odds (via Betway)

Bournemouth to win: 14/5
Draw: 3/1
Arsenal to win: 17/20

(Odds correct as of 26/12/2019 at 10:30)

Click here for full details of Betway’s Premier League markets.

Squawka prediction

Given the recent struggles of both these sides, this one really is tough to call.

However, the appointment of Arteta has the potential to lift a dark cloud over the Emirates so don’t be surprised to see a ‘new manager bounce’ take place on Boxing Day.

Scoreline prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal