Arsenal vs. Burnley – EPL December 2018 Preview and Scores
Match Preview
Arsenal
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats on Saturday when they host Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have come under criticism recently for their lacklustre displays especially in recent games.
The Gunners go into the game sitting three points adrift of the Champions League places, but are overwhelming favourites to return to winning ways against a Burnley side languishing in the relegation zone.
There are signs this game will go Arsenal’s way, with Arsenal having won each of their last 27 home Premier League matches against teams beginning the day in the relegation zone, stretching back to their thrilling 4-4 draw with Spurs in another North London derby in October 2008.
This game against Burnley will be their final home game of 2018 and Manchester City are the only team to have beaten them at the Emirates in the Premier League this calendar year, with the Gunners winning 13 of their 18 such outings so far.
Arsenal still have some defensive problems with injuries to Hector Bellerin, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Rob Holding, while Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac are doubtful for this match.
Alex Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and Aubameyang will likely lead the line for the Gunners.
Arsenal possible starting eleven:
Leno; Sokratis, Koscielny, Xhaka; Lichtsteiner, Torreira, Guendouzi, Monreal; Iwobi, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Burnley
Burnley find themselves 12 places and 19 points worse off, now with just three wins, 11 defeats and their goal difference leaving them in the relegation zone. It is quite surprising to know that after 17 premier league games in thr 2017 -2018 season, Burnley were above Arsenal on the table.
Dyche’s side have only won one of their last 10 outings and have suffered seven defeats in that time too – including four losses in their last five.
The season started in a disastrous fashion as Burnley were involved in the Europa league qualifications and could not keep up with the demands.
Burnley will be travelling to London for the second time in recent time after meetting up with Tottenham in a previous match. A game which they lost 1-0.
Aaron Lennon just underwent surgery and will be absent for a protracted period. Gudmundson and Stephen Ward could however start the gake as both are likely to pass a late fitness test.
Burnley possible starting eleven:
Hart; Bardsley, Long, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Westwood, Cork, Hendrick; Vokes
Head To Head
Arsenal have won nine and lost none of their last 10 matches against Burnley across all competitions, with their most recent defeat coming in the League Cup more than 10 years ago.
