Arsenal laid down another marker in midweek with a 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa. It was a tremendous performance from Mikel Arteta’s men, who remain favourites to win the Premier League title.Can Bournemouth throw a spanner in the Gunners’ works on the first weekend of 2026, or will Arsenal prove too strong for their opponents at the Vitality Stadium?Arsenal to win and both teams to score – 19/10 with SpreadexOver 2.5 goals – 4/6 with BetVictorGabriel Jesus to score or assist – 4/5 with bet365Bournemouth vs Arsenal oddsFind the latest Bournemouth vs Arsenal betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.Bournemouth vs Arsenal predictionsArsenal’s game against Aston Villa on Tuesday was one of their biggest of the season to date.A defeat would have seen Villa move level on points with Mikel Arteta’s men, whereas a home win would have put six points between the pair.In the end, the latter scenario came to pass. But Arsenal’s victory did not just double their lead over Aston Villa, a potential rival for the Premier League title. It was also a statement of intent and a reminder that Arsenal are still the team to beat in this season’s race for the championship crown.The first half at the Emirates Stadium was an even affair. If anything, Villa probably shaded the opening 45 minutes. They frequently beat Arsenal’s high press and posed problems on the counter-attack. With better finishing, Villa could easily have gone in at the break with the lead.In the second period, though, it was largely one-way traffic. Arsenal were terrific. They doubled down on their high pressing strategy, and this time, Villa could not get out.Within 30 minutes, Arsenal scored four goals to put the game out of the reach of their opponents. Villa pulled one back in stoppage time, but by then the match was over as a contest.After a series of narrow, nervous victories, including one-goal triumphs over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion, this was Arsenal back at their rampant best.“I’m so happy,” Arteta said afterwards. “We play every three days, we played an opponent today that comes from 11 wins in a row, a superb team, very difficult to play against, and we knew that we were going to have periods throughout the game. “Everything went much better [in the second half], timings were better, and the individual duels were fulfilled extraordinarily, so efficient in everything that we did. Unlike the last few games where we had so many big situations, today we were very prolific and accurate to make the difference.”The Gunners once again play before Manchester City this weekend, giving them the chance to extend their advantage at the summit of the standings.Arsenal have been overtaken by Pep Guardiola’s side in previous campaigns, so they will not be taking anything for granted at the midway point of 2025/26. Right now, though, it is hard to argue against Arsenal’s status as title favourites.Bournemouth vs Arsenal betting tipsArsenal continue their Premier League title charge against Bournemouth on Saturday.Arsenal to succeed againBournemouth’s winless run now stands at 10 games after they failed to emerge victorious in the midweek round of fixtures.In fairness to Andoni Iraola’s team, a 2-2 draw with Chelsea was a good result. But having fallen from second at the beginning of November to 15th now, Bournemouth are desperate for a victory.They are unlikely to get one here. Arsenal’s emphatic triumph over Aston Villa will have boosted their confidence, and it is difficult to envisage Bournemouth halting the league leaders on Saturday.Having said that, a clean sheet could be beyond Arsenal. They have conceded in seven of their last nine league games, while Bournemouth have scored in all but four of their 19 matches up to now. Back Arsenal to win and both teams to score at 19/10 with Spreadex Bournemouth the entertainersBournemouth were at it again on Tuesday, sharing four goals evenly with Chelsea in an entertaining encounter at Stamford Bridge.Their 19 matches this term have contained 64 goals, a Premier League high at the time of writing.If Bournemouth score this weekend (which we expect them to do), Arsenal would need to find the net twice to come out on top.For better or worse, the Cherries are one of the most open teams in the division. A 0-0 stalemate is unlikely in this one. Tip over 2.5 goals at 4/6 with BetVictor Jesus back with a bangFor all the focus on Viktor Gyokeres following his big-money move last summer, Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus could emerge as Arsenal’s first-choice striker in the second half of the season.Neither player is perfect, but Jesus showed his quality with a fine finish against Aston Villa on Tuesday.The Brazil international has never been prolific, but he is an excellent footballer and someone who can contribute in the final third.Whether he starts this game or appears as a substitute, Jesus can make an impact against Bournemouth. Select Gabriel Jesus to score or assist at 4/5 with bet365 Bournemouth vs Arsenal predicted lineupsBournemouth expected lineup: Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Tavernier; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.Arsenal expected lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Trossard. Where to watch Bournemouth vs ArsenalLocation: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England.Date and time: Saturday 3rd January, 5.30pm.How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.More Premier League predictionsWe have plenty more Premier League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.This week's matchesCeltic vs Rangers predictions and betting tipsBrighton & Hove Albion vs Burnley predictions and betting tipsUse bet365 bonus code as Arsenal search for another away win at BournemouthUse bet365 bonus code as Brentford and Tottenham aim for winning start to 2026Brentford vs Spurs predictions and betting tips - A winning start to 2026?Use BetVictor promo code ‘B10G40’ to net £40 in free bets ahead of Palace vs Fulham About the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. 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