Following their commendable 3-0 win over Southampton last weekend in their first fixture of the 2019-20 Premier League campaign, Burnley will make a trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to lock horns with Arsenal.
The Clarets certainly have momentum on their side after their victory at Turf Moor but Sean Dyche’s side have to be at their very best to keep Arsenal’s star-studded attacking armoury at bay.
Burnley team news
Robbie Brady and Charlie Taylor were both absent last weekend and while Brady is still sidelined, Taylor is available for selection against Unai Emery’s troops but is unlikely to start.
Summer signing Danny Drinkwater was fit when he was signed from Chelsea but is lacking match fitness. He will take part in a couple of behind-closed-doors friendlies before he has a chance to join the first team.
Steven Defour is back in light training, it has been confirmed by Dyche, but he is apparently not bearing any confirmed date of return to action.
Predicted Burnley line-up vs Arsenal (4-4-2)
Defence
Nick Pope is unarguably the preferred custodian for Dyche and owing to his excellent performance between the sticks against the Saints, he should be able to keep his place in the starting lineup.
James Tarkowski and Ben Mee will continue at the heart of the defence. However, Arsenal have one of the finest attacks in the league and they have to be thoroughly resilient in their endeavours.
It will be too early to hand a start to Taylor, which implies that Erik Pieters will continue in the left-back slot after an excellent opening week. Meanwhile, Matthew Lowton’s industry down the right could be useful for Burnley.
Midfield
Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood were far from impressive last weekend and it goes without saying that they must put in a much better performance against the north London outfit in central midfield to save the blushes of their side.
Due to Brady’s absence, Dwight McNeil could get an extended run on the left side of the midfield. Johann Berg Gudmundsson could start from the other flank after his strong start to the new campaign.
Attack
Ashley Barnes is one of the most underrated strikers in the English top-flight and having bagged a brace against Southampton, he will look to put in a strong performance against a big club like Arsenal.
Alongside Barnes, Dyche might be tempted to go with Chris Wood. The New Zealand international showcases immense work rate up front and has the potential to cause serious damage to Arsenal’s defence which is unarguably their weakest link.
