Match Preview: Arsenal vs Burnley

Arsenal will look to build on their win away to Newcastle when they host Burnley at the Emirates in the early kick-off.

The Gunners picked up all three points thanks to striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, despite getting the three points, what impressed the Arsenal fans would have been picking up a rare clean sheet away from home having only picked up one away clean sheet all season last season.

Speaking ahead of the game Arsenal manager Unai Emery said:

“They’re in a very good moment, they won 3-0 and had an amazing pre-season. They are a strong team with a clear structure. Last year against us they played 3-5-2 and changed, I think they will play 4-4-2.

They are a team with a good coach, experienced here in England, and in the Premier League they are playing, working, doing a good way. Saturday we need all the best for us individually and collectively.”

Sean Dyche said:

“We had many challenges  (last year) but we can see the difference. The players have come back clear minded. Last year was a real reminder of how tight it is in the Premier League and if you are not performing then you get hurt.

They are a good side who have spent a lot of money. It looks pre-season and early season they have been slightly more defensive but they can certainly attack.”

Burnley launched their season in style as they thrashed Southampton 3-0 thanks to Ashley Barnes’ double. However, the Clarets have not taken a point from the Emirates in their five previous visits. The sides last met in the final game of last season with the Gunners coming out with a 3-1 victory at Turf Moor.

Speaking pre-match Burnley manager Sean Dyche said, “They are a top side, but we’ve shown before we can take points off the top sides.

We’ve had decent performances against Arsenal and probably a couple of harsh decisions have gone against us.”

Head to Head:

Arsenal have won the last ten fixtures against Burnley. The Clarets last picked up a point against the North London side in December 2009 in a 1-1 draw.

Team News:

Mesut Ozil And Sead Kolasinac could return to the squad having missed the trip to Newcastle due to security concerns. Granit Xhaka has a bruised back and will be assessed. Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and new signing Kieran Tierney remain out.

Loan signing Danny Drinkwater will not be involved for Burnley. Charlie Taylor has however recovered from injury and has travelled with the squad.

Expected lineups

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Monreal; Xhaka, Guendouzi; Nelson, Ceballos, Pepe; Aubameyang.

Burnley (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Gudmundsson, Cork, Westwood, McNeil; Wood, Barnes.