Burnley vs Arsenal
English Premier League 2016/17
2nd October 2016, 16:30 pm BST
Turf Moor, Burnley
English Premier League 2016/17
2nd October 2016, 16:30 pm BST
Turf Moor, Burnley
A day after he celebrates his 20th anniversary at Arsenal Arsene Wenger will know exactly what gift he wants from his in-form players: a comfortable three points from their trip to Burnley.
The past week has seen Arsenal produce football on a par with much of the best played in Wenger’s reign but it is now up to the Gunners to prove they have the consistency that will be needed to keep up with early pace-setters Manchester City.
Burnley have started impressively on their return to the top flight and victory over Watford last week took them to a tally of seven points from their first six games. Sean Dyche’s aerial attack could be of particular concern to Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi.
But in truth Arsenal will be disappointed with anything less than a win at Turf Moor on Sunday.
Burnley Team News & Preview
Burnley host Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend and Sean Dyche’s side will be looking to build on their impressive 2-0 win over Watford in their last game.
However, they will be aware of Arsenal’s attacking talents and will need to improve defensively. They have conceded 7 goals in their last four Premier League games and that will be a major concern against the likes of Ozil and Sanchez.
Ashley Barnes is the only injury worry for the home side. Striker Andre Gray is suspended and will miss out as well.
The home side will be hoping to pull off another upset in front of their own fans after having beaten Liverpool earlier this season – Burnley are an impressive 1/5 to win or draw the game.
Burnley’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Arfield, Defour, Hendrick, Boyd; Bamford, Vokes
Arsenal Team News & Preview
Arsenal are in breathtaking form right now and their confidence will be sky high after having thrashed bitter rivals, Chelsea, last week.
They picked up a comfortable win in the Champions League as well during the midweek and will be hoping for a big win here.
Burnley are very inconsistent at the back and will struggle to cope with Arsenal’s fluid attacking play.
The Gunners have won five of their last six matches in all competitions and are likely to add to that this weekend.
Francis Coquelin picked up a knee injury in the 3-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend and will be out for a few weeks.
Aaron Ramsey isn’t due back until after the international break.
The likes of Gabriel, Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker and Jenkinson are still sidelined.
Arsenal’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Cazorla, Xhaka; Alexis, Ozil, Walcott; Perez
Head To Head
Arsenal have won five and drawn one of their last six meetings with Burnley. Burnley haven't beaten Arsenal in the league since 1974.
Stats
Arsenal have won 71% of their last seven games by more than a single goal.
Team News
Striker Ashley Barnes remains the only absentee for Burnley.
Arsenal are hoping that Olivier Giroud is fit in time for Sunday, but Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey will have to wait a couple more weeks. Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck remain sidelined until the new year, whilst Carl Jenkinson is also doubtful.
