In what was Arsene Wenger’s last European fixture as an Arsenal manager, Atletico Madrid knocked the Gunners out of the semi-finals of the competition this past Thursday. This will leave Arsenal without a trophy in Wenger’s final season at the club but they still have to fight for a place in The Europa League next season, as they are not too comfortable in the 6th place in the points table.
Wenger’s side are just three points above Burnley, who are in 7th, albeit with a game in hand and cannot afford to drop any points when they welcome The Clarets to The Emirates this weekend. Sean Dyche’ side are winless in their last three league outings and will look to get back to winning ways.
However, this game will be Wenger’s last ever game at home, a stadium he has been a servant for more than two decades. The Arsenal faithful will have loads of programs lined up for him which might affect their chances on the field as Dyche will want his side to believe that they can spoil Wenger’s party in his own backyard.
A win in this game will ensure Arsenal’s path into the Europa League but the Clarets can draw level on points with two games of the season left if they can take all three points from this game. This has been the visitors’ best league campaign in more than 40 years and will want to finish 6th, to have something to show for their efforts. But the Gunners will be pumped up and will want to give Wenger a fitting send-off.
Here is the team news, predicted lineups, predictions and betting odds for this clash.
Team News
Arsenal
Skipper Laurent Koscielny suffered an ACL injury and is ruled out for the rest of the season for Arsenal. He will miss this game along with Santi Cazorla and Mohamed Elneny, both of who are long-term absentees.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Monreal; Xhaka, Ramsey; Ozil, Wilshere, Mkhitaryan; Aubameyang
Burnley
The Clarets will miss the services of Ben Mee Steven Defour, Scott Arfield and Robby Brady, all of who are not expected to play any role for the rest of the season. Chris Wood picked up a nasty looking bruise last weekend but should be fit enough to make the squad for this game.
Expected lineup (4-4-2): Pope; Ward, Tarkowski, Long, Lowton; Gudmundsson, Westwood, Cork, Lennon; Barnes, Sam Vokes
Odds
Arsenal – 4/7
Draw – 16/5
Burnley – 11/2
Prediction
Arsenal 3-0 Burnley