Arsenal look to end a disappointing season on a high as they travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley

Arsenal travel to Burnley with a very slim chance of getting top four.

With a top four chance all but gone, the Gunners travel to Burnley hoping to get only their third league win on the travels. The Gunners’ have had a disastrous time away from the Emirates this season and that dented their chances of a Champions League spot. They require a 4-0 win at Turf Moor and hope that Everton win by the same score away to Champions League finalists Tottenham. However, they are only one win away from returning to the Europe’s biggest competition as they play Chelsea in the Europa league final on the 29th may.

Manager Unai Emery realises that it’s going to be a difficult match. Ahead of the trip to Turf Moore he said:

“We struggled a lot here against [Burnley]. I remember this match and I watched it two weeks ago when they drew with Chelsea. It was a very tough match against Chelsea and I’m expecting the same on Sunday in Burnley. 

We are going to play with the idea of imposing our gameplan, our capacity and our team against them. We know it’s going to be a difficult match with long balls, second actions and set-pieces, so we need to defend well in these situations.”

Burnley will be looking to finish off the season strongly as they look forward to another season in the top flight. The Clarets have endured a difficult season but will be looking to improve on that next season. They currently sit 15th in the table compared to their 7th place finish last campaign.

In his pre match press conference manager Sean Dyche said:

“A top side, of course, in Arsenal visiting Turf Moor and I think it would be great to finish on a good note, that being a win.

I want the team to perform, as a minimum, but if you can get the win it’s good for all, for the mentality of the team after a strangely successful season, and then good because you’re taking on one of the top sides, which is good for the mentality of the fans, as well.”

Teams news:

The home side will be without long term absentees Aaron Lennon and Steven Defour in what should be a similar squad to recent weeks.

Arsenal will welcome the return of Ainsley Maitland-Niles after serving a one game ban for his red card away to Leicester. The Gunners are expected to rest some first team players with one eye on the Europa league final.