Prediction: Burnley vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League is back in action once again this week with a host of entertaining fixtures as we continue to steamroll towards the last few months of the season. There are a few clear races in which the favourite is becoming clear but in equal measure, there’s also a great deal of uncertainty still in the mix as we head into the month of March. Today, we’re going to take a look at a clash between two teams with very different aspirations this season – Burnley and Arsenal.

Burnley

The Sean Dyche effect has taken Burnley to heights previously unknown, but now is the time for them to kick on as they try and push away from the relegation battle. The problem they have is that they just don’t have the sustained quality necessary in their ranks that would give them the freedom to really go at teams. If they can edge their way through to the end of the season, perhaps they’ll be able to improve the squad during the summer transfer window – but for now survival is the aim.

Team News

Barnes has been ruled out through injury with the other three fitness concerns for the hosts being Gudmundsson, Vydra and Brady.

Arsenal

It doesn’t really feel like we’re going to get the very best from Arsenal under Mikel Arteta for a while and even though that might be a bit disappointing for some, it has to be said that this is a process – and it’ll take time. Between getting rid of players who simply aren’t good enough and implementing a new style that’ll work for them, the Spaniard has a few more transfer windows to go yet before his efforts can really be analysed in a meaningful way.

Team News

This should be a fresh Arsenal side given that they didn’t play during the week, putting a bit more pressure on Arteta’s team seleciton. The only two players who are considered to be fitness doubts ahead of the trip to Turf Moor are Runarsson and Smith Rowe.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in December, Burnley beat Arsenal 1-0.
• Burnley have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Burnley have scored five goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 11 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

Burnley may have been able to get one over on an Arsenal side short of confidence a few months back, but we don’t think they’re going to be quite as lucky this time around. Mikel Arteta knows that they need to go for the throat of the Clarets if they want to avoid being dragged into a brawl, but we don’t think they’ll do that. Instead, we think they’ll score an early goal before sitting back on their lead, eventually earning a scrappy three points.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport