A highly anticipated Manchester City reunion awaits football fans at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday, as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal faces Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in a crucial Premier League fixture.
Match Preview
Both teams are eager for redemption after suffering losses in their previous outings, with Arsenal’s unbeaten streak ending against Newcastle United and Burnley setting an unwanted record in a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
In the midst of a refereeing controversy during the week, Arsenal found solace in a dominant display in the Champions League.
Despite contentious decisions, Bukayo Saka’s resilience led to crucial goals, positioning Arsenal on the brink of last-16 qualification.
This positive European performance comes after back-to-back domestic defeats, including their first top-flight loss of the season against Newcastle.
Arsenal currently sits fourth in the Premier League, three points adrift of new leaders Manchester City.
The team, however, boasts an impressive home record with three consecutive wins and clean sheets.
Moreover, Arsenal has an impeccable history at the Emirates against newly-promoted teams, having not suffered defeat in their last 37 home games, securing 32 wins and five draws.
In contrast, Burnley finds itself in 19th place after a historic defeat against Crystal Palace.
Vincent Kompany’s team set an unfortunate record as the first Premier League side to lose each of their opening six home games of a season.
Despite their defensive struggles, Burnley has managed to avoid defeat in their last two visits to the Emirates Stadium and has only lost one of their last five meetings with Arsenal in the Premier League.
Kompany, emphasizing an aggressive style of play, faces challenges with Burnley’s offensive record, having scored only eight goals, the worst in the league.
With eight goals conceded in three successive away losses, Burnley aims to reverse their fortunes against Arsenal.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Arsenal faces injury concerns, with key players like Saka, Tomiyasu, Nketiah, and Odegaard facing fitness doubts.
Burnley’s Josh Cullen returns from suspension, but several players, including Manuel Benson and Aaron Ramsey, are set to miss the clash.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Arsenal:
- Raya;
- White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko;
- Havertz, Jorginho, Rice;
- Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Burnley:
- Trafford;
- Roberts, O’Shea, Beyer, Taylor;
- Gudmundsson, Berge, Brownhill, Cullen, Koleosho;
- Amdouni
Predictions:
In a matchup where teams attempting to attack Arsenal often struggle, Burnley’s defensive vulnerabilities might prove costly.
Despite midweek fatigue and fresh knocks, Arteta’s men are expected to secure a 2-0 victory, entering the international hiatus on a positive note.
