Arsenal look to regain their domestic form as they host struggling Burnley at the Emirates in the Premier League this Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s men lost their unbeaten record in the Premier League this season in a controversial 1-0 defeat to Newcastle and were also dumped out of the EFL Cup 3-1 at West Ham, while Burnley have lost their last five games.
Here’s all you need to know about this weekend’s clash.
Arsenal vs Burnley – Premier League Match Preview:
Form
Arsenal: WWLLW
Despite having tasted defeat for the first time in the Premier League this season, five of the league’s top seven clubs all dropped points last week. The Gunners remain fourth, three points behind Manchester City at the top of the table.
Anthony Gordon’s strike for Newcastle was allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR check had looked at three potential incidents in the move. There was doubt as to whether the ball had gone out of play as well, as well as checks for a potential foul from Joelinton on Gabriel in the build-up and a possible offside.
The defeat was the first time the North London outfit had failed to score in any game this season, with captain Martin Odegaard’s absence leaving a creative hole in the squad.
🗣 “It shows the unity, the way we acted.”
Mikel Arteta believes the controversy surrounding Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle has made the bond at the club stronger 🔴🤝 pic.twitter.com/dVu1zEgVeT
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 8, 2023
Arsenal’s defensive efforts have helped them mount a title challenge this campaign as only leaders Manchester City (eight) have conceded more than Arsenal’s nine from their opening 11 games. At the heart of it has been William Saliba, who has played every minute of league action.
Injuries to key players has left the Gunners’ squad looking thin in midfield as Odegaard and Thomas Partey have both missed recent games, with Mikel Arteta failing to give a timeframe on a potential return. The same applies for striker Gabriel Jesus, who has a thigh problem.
Burnley: LLLLL
After winning the Championship in comprehensive style last season, Vincent Kompany’s men have struggled for form in the top flight and sit 19th in the Premier League, only above Sheffield United on goal difference.
The Clarets have had woes at both ends of the field since they returned to the top flight.
The Lancashire outfit are the league’s lowest scorers with just eight goals and only Sheffield United (30) have conceded more than Burnley (27), in what has been a tough start to the season for Kompany’s inexperienced Premier League side.
There were positive signs for the Championship winners in their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last time out, as they held 68% possession and had 17 shots compared to the Eagles four, but Burnley failed to find the back of the net.
Hear from the boss after today’s result 🎥 pic.twitter.com/oNNZjlSNa2
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) November 4, 2023
Striker Lyle Foster has had a hand in five of the Clarets’ eight goals, but will miss the Arsenal game through illness.
Josh Cullen won’t be available through suspension and Ameen Al-Dakil and Aaron Ramsey are both carrying knocks.
Last Meeting
Arsenal 0-0 Burnley, January 23rd 2022
The 2021/22 Premier League season was a messy one as the Christmas calendar was filled with Covid-based cancellations, with teams having played a range of 18 to 24 league games by late January.
Burnley were rooted to the bottom of the league the last time the two teams met, with Sean Dyche’s men five points from safety, albeit with five games in hand on 17th-placed Norwich. Arsenal, meanwhile, were in the race for Champions League qualification.
The game was a relatively low-key affair and ended goalless, with Arsenal dominating play with 76% possession, but mustering only five shots on target.
Alexandre Lacazette came closest to breaking the deadlock as he failed to poke home an Emile Smith-Rowe cutback.
The Gunners were booed off the Emirates pitch after they’d failed to win any of their previous five games and missed the chance to enter the top four, while the Clarets were delighted to earn a point after three successive defeats.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Burnley: Trafford; Vitinho, O’shea, Beyer, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Berge, Brownhill, Koleosho; Rodriguez, Amdouni.
Who is the referee?
Michael Oliver.
Is Arsenal v Burnley on TV?
UK and Ireland: Not televised live in the UK or Ireland.
USA: Peacock.
What time is kick off?
Saturday 11th November, 15:00pm GMT.
Odds
Arsenal – 2/11
Draw – 6/1
Burnley – 16/1
