Bournemouth vs Arsenal preview, predictions and team news

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 2019: Arsenal 1-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)
27 Feb 2019: Arsenal 5-1 Bournemouth (Premier League)
25 Nov 2018: Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
14 Jan 2018: Bournemouth 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
09 Sep 2017: Arsenal 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
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
📝 TEAM NEWS 📝
🔺 S Cook and C Wilson start
🔺 H Wilson on bench
🔺 Francis out with knockHere's how we line up for our @premierleague game with Arsenal. #BOUARS // #afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/WtrQ7Hq10f
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 26, 2019
Arsenal
🚨 Three changes for @m8arteta's first game in charge…
⬅️ Chambers, Smith Rowe, Martinelli
➡️ Sokratis, Ozil, Lacazette#BOUARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2019
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.