After a productive Match Day 1, Arsenal would be looking to record their second victory of the season as they host Burnley in today’s early kick off. The Gunners would be looking to do something they’ve not done in the past eight seasons – win the first two games of the season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- Burnley have lost nine successive league meetings – the longest losing streak in their top-flight history against a particular opponent.
- Their only victory in the past 19 away games against Arsenal in all competitions came in September 1974.
- Arsenal have won all seven encounters at the Emirates Stadium by an aggregate score of 21-4.
Arsenal
- The North London side are looking to begin a league campaign with two straight wins for the first time since 2009-10.
- The Gunners have lost their opening home league match of the season in five of the past eight seasons.
- Only Manchester City and Liverpool claimed more home points than the 45 accrued by Arsenal last term.
- They have lost only one of their past 25 league games when scoring first, winning 20 of them.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored scored eight goals in his last six games in all competitions.
Burnley
- Burnley could win their opening two top-flight matches in a season for the first time since 1973.
- Their opening day victory ended a four-game winless league run (D1, L3).
- The Clarets have taken just one point from their last seven visits to London.
- Ashley Barnes has scored 34 Premier League goals for Burnley, 14 more than any other player.
Stats Courtesy: BBC
Team News and Potential Line Up
At his pre-match press conference, Head Coach Unai Emery confirmed Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac are back in training after their recent security troubles. Granit Xhaka is a doubt for the game and will be assessed ahead of the game.
Rob Holding and Emile Smith-Rowe remain out as they continue their comeback as from injuries. Tierney, Bellerin and Mavropanos remain out.
David Luiz could be handed his debut against Sean Dyche’s side after sitting out the victory at St. James’ Park. It remains to be seen who gets dropped between Sokratis and Chambers who had a brilliant outing against Newcastle.
If Xhaka gets ruled out through injury, Ceballos might be called in to start in his place. Knowing that Burnley is a physical side, I expect him to be play alongside Torreira with Guendouzi and Willock most likely dropping to the bench.
The return of Ozil to the team is a welcome development and I expect him to seal a place in the starting XI. Nicholas Pepe is expected to make his home debut in this game and it won’t be surprising to see him start. Mkhitaryan should take the last spot in midfield with Aubameyang leading the attack once again.
Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Monreal, Torreira, Ceballos, Ozil, Pepe, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang
Predictions
Arsenal have a very good record against Burnley and I expect that to continue. It will be a tough game as Burnley are a physical side but that won’t be enough to stop the Gunners from taking all 3 points. I’ll go for a 3 – 0 scoreline.
Match Details
Kick Off: 2:00PM
Referee: Mike Dean
Where To Watch: The match would be available on Cable TV but you can watch right here on this website, on our streaming platform, the 9jagooners Mobile and on MatchDay Live apps.