ARSENAL travel to Premier League strugglers Burnley THIS afternoon – and three points for both sides could be vital.
The Gunners have been in fantastic form of late, scoring 16 goals in their last four games.
Last time out, Arsenal thrashed London rivals West Ham 6-0 on their own patch as Mikel Arteta‘s side put themselves firmly in the title race.
The Gunners are aiming to go one better than last campaign and claim their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season.
Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany‘s Burnley haven’t lived up to expectations on their return to the top flight and are in a dogfight to stay in the league.
The Clarets are seven points from safety and are without a win since before Christmas.
For Burnley, centre-back Jordan Beyer could return after missing the last four games with a thigh injury.
Long-term absentees Nathan Redmond and Luca Koleosho will remain unavailable.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping Jorginho has fully recovered from a foot injury after he was left on the bench for the 6-0 win at West Ham.
Takehiro Tomiyasu returned from the Asian Cup with a slight problem but is expected to be available for the trip to Burnley.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe are all doubts for Saturday’s match.
Burnley are yet to win a game in 2024 and they currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, level on points with Sheffield United.
Their last victory came against Fulham on December 23, so they will be desperate to stun title-chasers Arsenal at Turf Moor.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are enjoying a brilliant run of form.
They currently sit third in the Premier League table, level on points with Manchester City.
Arteta’s side have won each of their last four Premier League games to close the gap on leaders Liverpool.
David Datro Fofana has impressed since joining Burnley on loan from Chelsea last month.
In three games he has scored twice and provided one assist.
Fofana showed Chelsea fans exactly what they were missing when he scored twice to salvage a point against Fulham two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka continues to be Arsenal’s starboy.
He scored his 50th and 51st senior goals for the Gunners during last week’s 6-0 win over West Ham, becoming the club’s youngest player in the Premier League era to do so.
Saka has now scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists in 31 appearances for Arteta’s side this season.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany will serve a one-match ban against Arsenal after picking up a yellow card at Liverpool last weekend.
Speaking about his touchline ban, the former City star said: “I’ve given up on trying to figure it out. You get a punishment, you take it and in the end I’m too focused on the team and the collective. I can’t dwell on it too much and move on.”
Discussing Arsenal, he added: “They’re a top team. You need a few things to go your way and [some] exceptional performances. These teams have always got tools to hurt you and we have to make the most of our moments.”
Meanwhile, after Arsenal’s statement win over West Ham on Sunday, Mikel Arteta said: “We are maintaining and building some momentum now, and the performances have been really strong, as well as the results in recent weeks.
“We need to maintain that because the other teams are doing it as well, we are not the only ones, and we need to recognise that. Now, onto Burnley.”
Match result
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.
