Can Arsenal widen the gap at the top of the table to kick off the new year?
Bookmark popover
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Arsenal travel to Bournemouth tonight with the chance to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League to six points.
After a string of unconvincing results, the Gunners made an emphatic title statement last time out as they rounded off 2025 with a 4-1 win over top-of-the-table rivals Aston Villa.
Manchester City then failed to keep up the pace on New Year’s Day, losing valuable ground in a frustrating goalless draw at Sunderland.
It means Mikel Arteta’s title-chasers could start the new year by gaining serious breathing space at the Premier League’s pinnacle, while the Cherries will hope to end a torrid 10-game winless run that has seen them drop to 15th.
Follow all the action from Bournemouth vs Arsenal in our live blog below:
Bournemouth vs Arsenal live
Arsenal travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League | Kick-off 5:30pm GMT, live on Sky Sports
The Gunners could extend lead at top of table to six points after title statement against Aston Villa
Bournemouth without a league win in 11 games
4 minutes ago
Predicted line-ups
Bournemouth: Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Tavernier; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
Will Castle3 January 2026 15:04
5 minutes ago
Arsenal team news
As for Arsenal, there is still a big question mark over Declan Rice’s involvement.
The midfielder missed the win against Villa due to knee swelling and he remains a doubt for Saturday’s game.
Christhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori are still absent, but Gabriel and Jurrien Timber are set to start once again.
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Will Castle3 January 2026 15:03
5 minutes ago
Bournemouth team news
Antoine Semenyo is set to start with Andoni Iraola confirming his involvement, but Ben Gannon-Goak, Tyler Adams and Veljko Milosavljevic are all out.
Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie are both 50/50 to feature.
( PA Wire )
Will Castle3 January 2026 15:02
6 minutes ago
Is Bournemouth vs Arsenal on TV?
The Premier League meeting between Bournemouth and Arsenal kicks off at 5:30pm GMT on Saturday, 3 January at the Vitality Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4:30pm. It will also be available to stream on Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Will Castle3 January 2026 15:01
7 minutes ago
Bournemouth vs Arsenal live
Arsenal travel to Bournemouth tonight with the chance to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League to six points.
After a string of unconvincing results, the Gunners made an emphatic title statement last time out as they rounded off 2025 with a 4-1 win over top-of-the-table rivals Aston Villa.
Manchester City then failed to keep up the pace on New Year’s Day, losing valuable ground in a frustrating goalless draw at Sunderland.
It means Mikel Arteta’s title-chasers could start the new year by gaining serious breathing space at the Premier League’s pinnacle, while the Cherries will hope to end a torrid 11-game winless run that has seen them drop to 15th.
( Arsenal FC via Getty Images )
Will Castle3 January 2026 15:00
1 hour ago
Good afternoon
Hello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Stay tuned for all the latest team news, build-up and match action from the Vitality Stadium!
Will Castle3 January 2026 13:42