The end of November marks a point in the football calendar at which a number of early-season ambitions have disappointingly evaporated and a harsher, more realistic, outlook has settled after more than three months of league action.

For some, the spectre of relegation now looms; others chase titles or a respectable, worry-free league position, while a third group set their sights on the prospect of enjoying a decent FA Cup run.

Arsenal’s odds to win the Premier League crown have drifted to 8/1 (Skybet), although they’re still odds-on (4/9, William Hill) to secure a top-four finish next May.

The Gunners, who welcome Bournemouth on Sunday, are priced as BetVictor’s 4/9 odds-on favourites to clinch three points.

While Arsene Wenger’s men have contested two successive league draws – which may enhance the appeal of Paddy Power’s 22/5 odds posted about the draw – this is a fixture from which Arsenal should take maximum points.

According to the match stats team at bettingexpert.com, the Cherries have failed to score in half of their away matches this term, hence Betfred’s 8/1 odds posted about a Bournemouth victory, but so far at least they’ve extricated themselves from the relegation mire and are now as long as 20/1 (Paddy Power) to be relegated – champions Leicester are 16/1 in the same market.

Callum Wilson, signed from Coventry, is Bournemouth’s danger man; he’s scored 28 goals in 64 league matches for the Cherries and is 3/1 (Matchbook.com) to score at any time on Sunday.

In other markets, Ladbrokes chalk 4/6 about both teams finding the net, with the Gunners offered at 2/5 (Winner.com) to open the scoring.

Elsewhere, punters might be inclined to take bet365’s even money odds for Arsenal to win when starting an artificial goal behind.

Alternatively, the home side are 10/3 (Marathonbet) to enjoy a two-goal margin of victory, while 188bet mark a 2-0 home win at a tempting 7/1.

Odds supplied by the customisable odds comparison site, SmartBets.com.

TOP TIPS

Arsenal to lead at the end of both halves: Evens, Marathonbet

Olivier Giroud to score the game’s first goal: 10/3, Unibet

Arsenal to win when kicking off with a one-goal deficit: Evens, Bet365