continue their winning run when the visit the Turf Moor to take on a resolute Burnley side.
Arsene Wenger recently completed 20 years at the helm for Arsenal and will be looking to celebrate the auspicious occasion with a win against newly-promoted side Burnley and the Turf Moor.
Arsenal have switched gears recently and look like a more robust and competitive unit, with their focus on the Premier League crown. After a disappointing start to the campaign, things have picked up considerably for them.
Switching Alexis Sanchez to a central role has benefited Wenger’s side considerably and despite signing a new striker in Lucas Perez, the Frenchman has continued to vest his faith in the Chilean. It has reaped high dividends as Sanchez has already found the back of the net on four occasions, and has assisted another three.
Their opponents Burnley will go in Sunday’s fixture as clear underdogs. Despite beginning the campaign on a relatively sound note, Sean Dyche’s men may come under the cosh against a Gunners side that look absolutely fluid at the moment.
The English manager can be happy with the form of his goalkeeper Tom Heaton who has performed beyond expectations in the initial stages of the new season. The former Manchester United stopper has kept the Clarets in a number of games and has also managed to record shut outs against Liverpool and Watford.
Probable Lineups
After a resolute performance in the Champions League against FC Basel, Wenger may guard his men against complacency, but will also be positive about the way things have unfolded in recent weeks.
Despite playing a newly-promoted side, the Frenchman is set to play the strongest possible side, hoping to nullify the sturdy and rigid Clarets’ defence.
Colombian number one and Arsenal’s reserve goalkeeper David Ospina started in mid-week, but is set to lose his place to Petr Cech who has been omnipresent between the sticks for the Gunners this season.
Defensively, Shkodran Mustafi looks to have formed a good understanding with Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the defence, and the duo are likely to start as centre-backs with Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal on either sides of them.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka has not been the go to option for Wenger, but with his recent goal-scoring exploits couple by an injury sustained to Francis Coquelin, the manager is likely to give him the nod to start alongside Santi Cazorla in the middle of the park.
Moving forward, Theo Walcott has looked ever so impressive playing down the right, reminiscing his phenomenal form of the 2012/13 and is set to continue in the Gunners lineup after scoring a brace in mid-week.
Mesut Ozil has been extremely dexterous playing off the striker and will start in the number 10 role with Alex Iwobi to his left.
Alexis Sanchez has enjoyed life playing as a striker and has seen Wenger bring the best out of him. His sharpness in front of goal is second to none, his movement sublime, and all in all, he is an absolute joy to watch. Unless something catastrophic occurs between now and kick-off time, the Chilean will start in the number 9 position.
Andre Gray’s absence through suspension is definitely going to daunt Dyche’s side, but he will have to improvise by fielding Johann Berg Gudmondsson down the right wing.
Sam Vokes has been far from the clinical striker he was in the Championship as he has managed to score just the solitary this season that game in the 2-0 win over Liverpool. Belgian attacking midfielder Steven Defour has been one of the Clarets’ best players this season and is destined to give Granit Xhaka a tough time once the game wears on.
Defensively, a stable back four of Matthew Lowton, Michael Keane, Ben Mee and Stephen Ward are set to start ahead of Heaton in goal.
Key Stats
- Burnley are winless in seven league meetings between the sides since 1974, including all four Premier League fixtures (D1, L3).
- The last three league meetings between the two at Turf Moor have produced just three goals, one for Burnley and two for Arsenal.
- Sean Dyche’s side have conceded just five goals in their last 17 home league fixtures, and never more than once in a match during that period.
- Arsenal have won four successive league games and lost just one of their last 16 matches in the division (W9, D6).
- The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 26 Premier League fixtures against promoted teams, winning 22 and drawing four since a 2-1 defeat at QPR in March 2012.
- Theo Walcott has registered a goal in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since a three-match scoring run in May 2013.
- Full-back Hector Bellerin has provided six assists in the Premier League since the start of last season, more than any other defender.
Player to watch out for
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
The Chilean is too hot to handle at the moment and is expected to be in fine knick when the Gunners visit the Turf Moor. He has been exceptionally lethal in front of goal, but will be facing one of the division’s most in-form shot stoppers. While it may be difficult for Sanchez to find himself a goal, the Arsenal fans are optimistic of him turning up.
Betting Tips
Burnley come into the game on the back of a 2-0 win over Watford, while Arsenal are also on a high after their 3-0 defeat of Chelsea last weekend.
Burnley have performed admirably but seem to be undone against relatively stronger oppositions barring Liverpool, who they beat 2-0. They have lost to Leicester and Chelsea by the same scoreline of 3-0, which highlights their inability to cope with the pressure.
Arsenal have form and could just ran rampant on the newly promoted side but Burnley are likely to give the Gunners more of a fight than they received last weekend.
Favourable Bets:
1. Over 2.5 Match goals @ 1.75
2. Arsenal Clean Sheet NO @ 1.80
3. Over 25.5 MultiCorners @ 1.83
Underdog Bets:
1. Steven Defour to score anytime @ 11.00
2. Burnley or Draw @ 3.00
Prediction
Burnley 0-1 Arsenal
The game is expected to be a cagey one with Bunrley sticking to their shape rather than retaining possession of the ball. While Arsenal will be on the front foot since the word go, the five-man Clarets midfield may make it difficult for the Gunners’ creative players to find spaces. It has all the makings of a low-scoring contest, but one where the North Londoners are likely to prevail.