The Premier League returns for its first weekend of 2026, and Saturday's action features some tasty matchups for the betting crowd. Arsenal travels to Bournemouth looking to avoid a repeat of last season's nightmare, while Aston Villa aims to bounce back at home.

The Quick Hit

• What's on tap: Four Premier League matches Saturday, Arsenal the headliner
• The history: Bournemouth beat Arsenal home AND away last season
• The value: Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals has hit 5 of last 7
• Home fortress: Villa haven't lost at home in their last 10 under Emery

Arsenal at Bournemouth (7:30 AM ET)

Arsenal comes in as massive -225 favorites, with Bournemouth catching +550 and the draw at +375. The total is set at 2.5 goals with the over at -150.

But here's the thing that should give every Arsenal backer pause: Bournemouth swept the Gunners last season. Both home and away. That's not ancient history—that's a reminder that the Cherries know how to play against Mikel Arteta's system.

The flip side? Bournemouth is currently winless in their last 10 Premier League matches. That's five draws and five losses, their longest run without a win in a single top-flight campaign. Something has to give.

If you're looking for a betting angle, "Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals" has landed in five of their last seven games. The Gunners are winning ugly but winning nonetheless.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest (12:30 PM ET)

Villa is coming off a rough 4-1 loss to Arsenal on Tuesday, but they return to their fortress at Villa Park where they've won 10 straight under Unai Emery. That's not a typo—ten consecutive home wins.

Nottingham Forest has been one of the season's surprise packages, but Villa at home is a different animal. The home side is -125, and "Villa to win to nil" at 2/1 has some appeal given their defensive record at Villa Park.

Other Saturday Action

Wolves vs West Ham: Both clubs need points desperately. Wolves sit near the bottom and need a result, while West Ham's season has been a disappointment. This has ugly 1-1 written all over it.

Brighton vs Burnley: The Seagulls should handle Burnley at home, but Brighton has been inconsistent enough to make laying heavy juice unappealing.

The Bottom Line

Arsenal should win at Bournemouth, but the Cherries have their number historically. If you're betting the Gunners, the under 3.5 combo adds value. Villa at home is as close to a lock as you'll find in the Prem—Emery's home record is absurd.

The Premier League is back, degenerates. First weekend of 2026, let's make it a profitable one.