BURNLEY v ARSENAL
Premier League
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Turf Moor, Kick off 19.45
Arsenal will come into this match on a high following their amazing turnaround at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool will be disappointed not to have reached half-time by more than a one-goal cushion, which eventually contributed to their unravelling in the second-half. However, take nothing away from Arsenal’s performance, they played brilliantly and are always a live threat when attacking. They have now won their last two league games to keep themselves right in contention at the top of the league.
Nonetheless, Arsenal can play better, and will improve. They’ve been ravaged by injuries all season but the plus side to that is that some of the younger fringe members of the squad are getting the opportunity to strut their stuff.
Burnley’s home record is quite impressive. For a team who were one of the favourites to be relegated before the season began, it is their home form that has kept the wolves from the door. Having already scalped Manchester United at Turf Moor this season, they will be hoping their home form again comes up trumps in their quest for Premier League survival.
However, their game against Manchester United came very early on and opposition teams visiting Turf Moor are little bit more clued in as to how capable Owen Coyle’s side are. None less so than Arsene Wenger. If he can repeat Sunday’s half-time rant before this game, then Burnley have no chance.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal have a slight doubt over Fabregas’ involvement. He picked up a slight knock in Sunday’s win over Liverpool. Denilson and Traore are definitely out, as are long-term casualties Van Persie, Bendtner and Rosicky, Clichy and Djourou. Silvestre and Eboue are expected to start.
Burnley have no fresh worries.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
No real form to go on here. The pair met twice last season, once in the League Cup at Turf Moor when Burnley won 2-0 (when four Arsenal players called Rogers, Lansbury, Randall and Bischoff played). Then in March this year they met again, this time in the FA Cup when Arsenal won 3-0 at The Emirates (they fielded a virtual full-strength team that day). The last league meeting between these teams at Turf Moor was in 1975. The match finished scoreless.
VERDICT
Quite a difficult one to asses. Burnley are very good at home, Arsenal are very good away. Arsenal are very good attacking, Burnley aren’t the best defenders in the league, but should give a good show. There won’t be too much between the sides. Burnley will be very motivated for this game, as will Arsenal. This one has draw painted all over it. If you must punt on Arsenal, bet on them winning by one goal.
RECOMMENDED
Match odds DRAW 4.6 (BETFAIR)
ARSENAL TO WIN 1-0 9.0 (BETFAIR)
ARSENAL TO WIN 2-1 9.4 (BETFAIR)
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