Prediction: Burnley vs Arsenal

Verdict: Under 2.5 Goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmakers: Bet 365

High flying Burnley welcome a hugely inconsistent Arsenal side to Turf Moor for what will be an intriguing upper mid table clash between two teams with vastly different expectations. Sean Dyche’s side are once again performing well above their means and have climbed to seventh spot in the Premier League table, level on points with their opponents this weekend. Arsenal are struggling to keep up with their conventional rivals, and this is a must win game for Arsene Wenger’s men.

Burnley

Sean Dyche has done a phenomenal job establishing Burnley as a consistent presence in the Premier League, and crafting a style of play that not only allows them to stay in the top flight, but also to flourish in it. The Clarets have lost just twice this season; once to West Brom at the beginning of the season, and once to the steamroller that is Manchester City. A win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and draws away at Tottenham and Liverpool have earned them a reputation as somewhat of a bogey team, and Arsenal simply love tripping up against lesser opposition.

What is even more impressive is that Burnley have climbed so high in the table despite not having a standout goal scorer – both Chris Wood and Sam Vokes have just three goals each this season – meaning that Dyche’s side are scoring just one goal per game on average. Their ability to grind out results, especially at home, is something to be admired, and also makes them a consistently safe bet for low scoring games.

Team News

Both Jonathan Walters and Dean Marney are likely to miss this game, and first choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton remains sidelined, though replacement Nick Pope has looked impressive in his absence.

Sean Dyche will be happy to welcome back New Zealand striker Chris Wood, who missed the game against Swansea due to fatigue-related hamstring tightness.

Arsenal

Despite their North London derby win last weekend, Arsenal are actually in a patch of horrendously poor form. The gunners have won just one of their last four games in all competitions, and haven’t won away from the Emirates since October 22^nd. Their away form has been dreadful, winning just once in the league this season on the road, and facing Burnley at Turf Moor is by no means an easy away day. The North London side have conceded 16 times this season, which is just one fewer than the Liverpool defence that is so often mocked by football fans.

Arsene Wenger can take some positives from this season however, and the main shining light has been summer signing Alexandre Lacazette. The French international has scored six times so far in what is his first season in English football, and Arsenal are averaging almost two goals per game. Unfortunately the striker’s tally may well stay the same after this weekend, as Burnley’s defence has been incredibly stingy, and the Gunners have a tendency to struggle against teams who defend deep.

Team News

Arsene Wenger may be without Theo Walcott due to illness, though the winger was perhaps unlikely to start this game anyway. Santi Cazorla’s extended absence continues.

Shkodran Mustafi should start in central defence after his injury issues, and both Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez should make the team sheet after sitting out the disastrous loss to Koln in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• Arsenal have won just one of their six away game this season.
• The Gunners have also failed to score in three of these six games.
• Burnley have conceded just nine times in 12 league games this season.
• On the flip side the Clarets have also only scored 12 times in the league thus far.
• Burnley have kept a clean sheet in four of their six home games this campaign.

Conclusion

Burnley are the masters of keeping a game close, and it is not difficult to see this being a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal’s forwards. Whether they edge out a 0-1 away win, or the home side catch them on the break, all the signs point towards a low scoring affair at Turf Moor.

Verdict: Under 2.5 Goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmakers: Bet 365