U21 PREVIEW: BURNLEY V ARSENAL

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Clarets begin cup campaign with visit of Gunners to Leyland

2022-09-23T09:53:55.341Z

U21 PREVIEW: BURNLEY V ARSENAL

Clarets begin cup campaign with visit of Gunners to Leyland

2022-09-23T09:53:55.341Z

Clarets start 2023 with visit of Owls in first league action for close to two months

Burnley’s U21 side commence their Premier League Cup campaign this afternoon (September 23), welcoming Arsenal to the County Ground in Leyland in the first of six group stage games.

The Clarets - who will also face Swansea City & Stoke City home and away in the group as well as travelling to London to take on Arsenal - head into today’s game on the back of three straight victories.

Last time out in the Professional Development League, Burnley came from behind to win 4-1 away at Sheffield Wednesday, picking up three points which see the side sit 2nd in the table.

Dara Costelloe was amongst the scorers against Wednesday, but will miss this afternoon’s game away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland U21s. Full back Dane McCullough is also absent, he is representing Northern Ireland’s U21s.

Dan Sassi will though be in contention - along with goalkeeper Sam Waller - with both signing their first professional deals at the Club in the last few days.

U21 PREVIEW: BURNLEY V ARSENAL - Gallery Photo 1

ACADEMY LOAN WATCH: PAPA JOHN’S SUCCESS FOR RICHARDSON - Image 5

That game against the Owls came on September 12, and with Monday’s scheduled visit of Barnsley cancelled as Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth was laid to rest, this will be a first outing for the Clarets in 11 days.

Arsenal meanwhile played just 3 days ago in the Papa John’s Trophy group stages, losing 2-0 at Sky Bet League One high-flyers Ipswich Town.

The loss at Ipswich was a first defeat of the season for Mehmet Ali’s side though in all competitions, who sit 2nd in the Premier League 2, Division 1 table with 14 points from their opening six games.

15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri - pictured below - wasn't involved at Portman Road having become the youngest ever Premier League player against Brentford last weekend, but could be in contention against the Clarets with no senior football due to the international break.

U21 PREVIEW: BURNLEY V ARSENAL - Image 1

Boss Ali joined Arsenal from Reading, working as one of Kevin Betsy’s understudies, in January and is now at the helm of the Gunners U21s with Betsy departing over the summer to take charge at Sky Bet League Two outfit Crawley Town.

Under Ali, Arsenal have already started their own Premier League Cup campaign with a win, beating Swansea City 2-1 at home back on August 17.

That to date is the only game played in Group G, with Stoke still having played none of their respective six.

This afternoon's game – with a 13:00 kick-off – will be covered on Twitter via @ClaretsAcademy. A report will also be published on Burnleyfc.com post-match.