PL PREVIEW: Arsenal v Burnley

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Build-up as the Clarets head to the Emirates Stadium in search of first away win

2020-12-12T14:49:26.531Z

PL PREVIEW: Arsenal v Burnley

Build-up as the Clarets head to the Emirates Stadium in search of first away win

2020-12-12T14:49:26.531Z

Build-up as the Clarets head to the Emirates Stadium in search of first away win

The Clarets head to the capital and the chance to play in front of supporters for the first time in more than nine months.

Sadly, there will be no Burnley fans among the 2000 Arsenal supporters allowed into the Emirates Stadium due to London’s Tier 2 status.

But Burnley boss Sean Dyche hopes any atmosphere adds to the occasion as the Clarets look to disappoint the home fans with a first away win of the season and a first Premier League success at Arsenal to continue their recent recovery.

“It’s generally good for football to have these signs and shoots of life coming out of the terraces,” said Dyche, whose side last played before a crowd at Turf Moor in early March.

“We hope it builds quickly on the recovery of the country. But I don’t know how it will affect the game.

“The percentage of fans compared to the size of the stadium is not going to be vast, but I hope it adds a feel to it.

“It just remains to be seen how much as it’s quite a low number.”

Clarets set for London showdown

Team news

The Clarets are still without Jack Cork and midfield colleagues Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Dale Stephens are also unlikely to figure.

However, full-back Phil Bardsley could be back in the squad following a back problem.

The Gunners are without suspended wideman Pepe and summer signing Thomas Partey is out with a thigh injury.

Defenders David Luiz and Saed Kolasinic are both doubts, along with England Under-21 international Reiss Nelson, while forward Gabriel Martinelli is not yet expected to return.

Form guide

The Clarets are still seeking a first away win of the season to potentially lift themselves out of the bottom three.

However, Sean Dyche’s men have taken points from two of their last three away games and have lost only one of their last four fixtures.

Arsenal’s 4-2 win at Dundalk on Thursday night completed a 100 per cent record as winners of Group B in the Europa League.

Their Premier League form has not been so good, though, with no wins in four games and three defeats in that run which has seen them slip to 15th place in the table.

The Gunners have also lost their last three games at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.

Opposition camp

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to his club’s website: “We know the urgency we have to get results and the stats, in my opinion in this moment, are not very relevant.

“Burnley are a really organised team. They are a constant threat because they are really direct but they play that game really, really well.

“They manage their first, second and third phases really well, the way they attack the box. Set-pieces are key against them as well.

“They are difficult to break down because they have been working together with the same manager for a long time, and they know each other really well.

“They are disciplined and they have a good spirit and character among the team. They are always ready to fight and make it difficult for you.”

Match facts

Jay Rodriguez could make his 150th league appearance for Burnley and his 400th appearance in English club football.

Striking colleague Matej Vydra’s next appearance will be his 250th in English League football.

Sean Dyche has faced 54 different teams in his managerial career and Arsenal are only one of three sides (along with Sheff Utd and Coventry City) that he hasn’t yet beaten.

The Clarets have lost their six Premier League games at Arsenal.

Arsenal’s total of 13 points from 11 matches is their worst start to a top-flight season since 1981.

The Gunners could lose four consecutive home league games for the first time since 1959 when their losing run included a 4-2 defeat by the Clarets.

Referee

Graham Scott

VAR

David Coote

Kick-off

Sunday 7.15pm

Broadcast

Live on Sky Sports