Declan Rice scored twice in Arsenal's win at Bournemouth on Saturday, and with goals added to his game, is he now the best midfielder in the world?

Arsenal travel to Bournemouth to open their 2026 schedule. The Gunners sit atop the Premier League table, four points clear of Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s side dropped points against Sunderland.

Preview the matchup between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth with predictions, odds, over/under, betting lines and more.

The 20th Premier League matchweek will see Bournemouth host Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium today. Arsenal remains top of the Premier League while Bournemouth is near the bottom of the table. Bournemouth is 15th in the league table with 23 points and has a record of five wins, eight draws, and six losses.

Bournemouth have lost 12 of their 13 Premier League games against sides starting the day at the top of the table. The exception is a 2-1 home win over Manchester City in November 2024. Having started the campaign very well, Bournemouth dramatically lost form. They are winless in their last 10 Premier League games (5 draws, 5 losses).

Without some of their best players as Declan Rice missed out with a knee injury, Arsenal were able to go five points clear atop the Premier League after defeating Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium with a four-minute double from Gabriel and Martin Zubimendi.

Previewing the Bournemouth vs. Arsenal Premier League match that kicks off Saturday, January 3. Get Premier League updates and news with on DAZN News

Premier League leaders Arsenal hammered Aston Villa 4-1 to secure a statement win on Tuesday as they closed out 2025 in style.

Arsenal have won three matches in a row but failed to score from open play in those games, managing just a penalty and three own-goals. The Gunners are coming off a roller-coaster victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, advancing to the semifinals 8-7 on penalty kicks after giving up an equalizer in stoppage time.