Preview: Burnley vs Arsenal

Written By Jacobs Dunga

Burnley come into this contest winless in their four games played so far this season with a single draw against Leeds United to show for their season thus far.

Having lost the first three fixtures where they conceded nine and scored none, Arsenal struggled to put a goal past Norwich City last week for their first win of the season.

STYLE

Sean Dyche who recently extended his stay with the Clarets sets up his team in a traditional 4-4-2 formation with heavy reliance on their physicality and the duo of Barnes and Wood to get the goals. Their Aerial presence is something to fear for Arsenal.

Arteta is expected to stick his 4-2-3-1 set up which gave him victory over Norwich last week. Thomas Partey is back and should take the place of Naitland Miles in the team that won at home to Norwich seven days ago.

FORM

Burnley have been in a poor run of form with just three goals scored in all competitions, a total number of eight conceded. A penalty shootout win over Newcastle United in the league cup their only bright spot so far.

Arsenal’s form has been something of a debate on whether Arteta is the right man for the club who have lost three of their four opening games with last week’s goal against Norwich being the only one so far (Premier League) in one of their worst ever starts.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Burnley

Chris Wood shoulders most of the attacking responsibilities for Burnley and will be out to add to his single goal against the Gunners.

Maxwel Cornet could be unleashed against Arsenal in a move to get more creative going forward.

Connor Roberts, Kevin Long and Dale Stephens are unlikely to feature for Burnley against Arsenal.

Arsenal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the own goal that gave the Clarets victory over Arsenal last season and will be pushing for a revenge this time out.

Bukayo Saka will start from the beginning and should thus show why there’s so much hype about him.

Granit Xhaka is ruled out through suspension.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Burnley have lost just one of their last four games against Arsenal.

Arsenal have lost just one of their last 16 in all competitions against Burnley.