Arsenal go into this game knowing that a continuation of their current ifne form could carry them even closer to the precipice of the Premier League, whereas Burnley will look to halt what appears to be an alarming slide towards the foot of the table.
Arsene Wenger is never one to talk down the ability of his team, but his relative silence on their credentials this season would appear to suggest he is happy for his players to do the talking on the field. After last weeks win over Stoke City, This Arsenal team will want to show that their skill can outshine the crude play of other teams, after Aaron Ramsey was scythed down by Ryan Shawcross last week. The young midfielder will be out for the rest of the season with a broken leg and his colleagues will be keen to show that whatever lesser teams throw at them physically, they have the skill, guile, and indeed fight to deal with any threat. Other than Ramsey, Arsenal have a few other injury problems, particularly in midfield. It shouldn’t be too much of a problme considering Arsenal’s strength in depth, but they are missing first team regulars Diabi, and Arshavin but with Theo Walcott back to fitness, we can expect to see a paerticularly attacking Arsenal line up this weekend.
The threat from Burnley is likely to be limited. They have won only once in the Premier League under recent appointee Brian Laws, and their away form has been woeful for some time. Burnley now sit 19th in the table and relegation is looming large. Burnley are relatively injury free, with influential defender Caldwell unavailable. They will need to hsow all of their battling qualities if they are to stage a fight back from their current position, but I don’t think any amount of battling will get them anything out of this game.
Verdict: Arsenal Home Win
Odds: 1/8
Bookmaker: Sporting Bet
