Arsenal will lock horns with Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday as they look to return to winning ways. The Gunners have drawn all of their last three Premier League matches, though they are coming on the back of a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup. But, as they continue to fall down the wrong end of the table, a win could be vital if they are to recover from a disastrous start to the campaign.
However, things could be tricky against a Burnley side, that have won their last two Premier League matches, one of which came against Manchester United. In fact, the Clarets are only trailing Arsenal due to an inferior goal difference, meaning a win could help them overtake the north London giants by the end of this weekend’s round of fixtures.
Arsenal Vs Burnley Tactical Preview
Burnley
Given Arsenal’s strength going forward, it won’t be surprising to see Sean Dyche’s men going full defensive this weekend. They could defend in deep blocks, and the discipline of both Ben Mee and James Tarkowski could be useful, in that regard. However, the Clarets will also rely on the pace of Dwight McNeil, on the counter. The youngster’s pace and tricky could be key as the hosts look to exploit Arsenal’s attacking-minded fullbacks.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, is not expected to tinker with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. In fact, the Spaniard could recall Lucas Torreira while David Luiz is also back from suspension. Their combative nature could be key in dealing with a Burnley side, that will look to press the Arsenal ball-carriers. Extra cynosure will be on Mesut Ozil in terms of chance creation in the final third.
Team News
Burnley
Ashley Barnes and Johann Berg Gudmundsson have both been ruled out for this game due to injuries. But, on the bright side, Phil Bardsley has been cleared fit and could return to the team at the expense of Matthew Lowton at right-back. In attack, we expect Jay Rodriguez to once again deputise for the injured Barnes, alongside Chris Wood.
Burnley predicted lineup (4-4-2): Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Rodriguez, Wood.
Arsenal
Arsenal will be boosted by the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Luiz, as the duo returns from suspension. Moreover, Pablo Mari is in contention to start after joining from Flamengo on loan.
On the flip side, key fullbacks such as Kieran Tierney, Sead Kolasinac and even new signing Cedric Soares will not feature due to their respective injuries. Central defenders Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers have also been sidelined for the same reason.
Arsenal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Bellerin, Sokratis, Luiz, Saka; Torreira, Xhaka; Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette.
Key Men
Burnley
As mentioned earlier, Burnley’s attacking aspect in this game depends on McNeil while Wood could also play a key role, especially with Barnes injured. But, the real focus will be on the defensive duo of Mee and Tarkowski as their defensive discipline will likely dictate Burnley’s fate in this fixture.
Arsenal
As for Arsenal, this game could revolve around Aubameyang, who has finally returned from this suspension. The Gabonese international can not only provide a threat on the counter with his electric pace, but he is also capable of scoring the goals – making him one to keep an eye on, for the Clarets.
Odds
Arsenal = 19/20
Draw = 13/5
Burnley = 11/4
