Burnley vs Arsenal – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Sreya

Arsenal travel up north to Lancashire to face the relegation-threatened Burnley in Matchweek 31 of the English Premier League. Arsenal are the in-form team of the Premier League, having won 7 consecutive matches and will look to narrow down the seven point gap between them and Chelsea, with the Blues playing later on Sunday.

Team News & Formation

Kevin Long and Dean Marney are listed as injured for Burnley. Matthew Taylor is also doubtful. For Arsenal, Arteta and Debuchy could make returns but Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain are unlikely to feature. Laurent Koscielny may be rested due to a thigh problem.

Sean Dyche is expected to choose the same starting XI which held Tottenham to a draw last weekend. Mee, Shackell, Duff and Trippier will be the backline in charge to stop Giroud and co. while Sam Vokes and Danny Ings will start upfront in a traditional 4-4-2 formation. Arsenal will also line-up in their usual 4-2-3-1 with the attacking trio of Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil ahead of Aaron Ramsey and Coquelin.

Key Players

Olivier Giroud has netted seven times in the last six league matches. The Frenchman’s contribution has been unparalleled as Arsenal slowly climbed the league table to a comfortable second. Averaging 2.9 shots per game, Giroud has been strong in the air winning 4.1 aerial duels every 90 minutes. Giroud’s link-up play has allowed the likes of Ozil and Sanchez to thrive further.

Alexis Sanchez, although far from replicating his form of early season has been a steadfast influence in Wenger’s side as he has racked up 14 goals and 8 assists in his debut season in England. Against Liverpool, Sanchez scored a stunner and assisted another goal. A strong dribbler, Sanchez has attempted 3.1 shots and created 2.5 chances every 90 minutes. Mesut Ozil’s return from injury has coincided with Arsenal’s rise in form and it is no surprise that the German, often maligned previously for disappearing at crucial junctures,has looked so assured with the ball at his feet. In spite of playing less than 1500 minutes this season, Ozil has scored or assisted 0.65 goals every game.

For the hosts, goalkeeper Tom Heaton will be crucial if they have to salvage anything from the game. Heaton has been excellent in matches against the top half of the table, at times pulling off miraculous saves to keep Burnley in the game. An excellent shot stopper with lightning fast reflexes, how long Burnley hold on Arsenal at the 0-0 game state will largely depend on the Englishman’s performance.

Free Prediction

According to H2H statistics, Arsenal have won 44% or 36 of the 82 matches the Gunners have played against Burnley. Arsenal will clinch this tie, with an expected scoreline of 3-0.