Arsenal are now just inches away from glory. The Gunners, chasing the coveted Premier League crown under Mikel Arteta, will face relegated Burnley at the Emirates Stadium this Monday, fully aware that three points will mean a five-point gap between themselves and Manchester City, who trail them in the league standings.
As far as bookmakers are concerned, there is no doubt that this is going to be an easy win for Arsenal. However, in the intense atmosphere of a title race, one cannot rule anything out. Although the Clarets are playing for pride alone, the Gunners have to overcome the choking pressure of expectations if they are to make history.
FORM
- Arsenal: (WDWWW) – The Gunners arrive on a dominant three-game winning streak in the league, looking utterly ruthless as they close in on the title.
- Burnley: (LLLLD) – The Clarets are enduring a miserable 11-game winless run in the top-flight, a streak that officially condemned them back to the Championship.
INSIGHTS
- The Pressure Cooker: Although it seems like Arsenal could be facing an imbalance here, they need to keep out of any kind of anxiety that has been plaguing them during previous matches this season. This is because it was during the pressure of the league battle that they had previously suffered a shocking home loss to Bournemouth.
- Saka’s Timely Resurgence: Following a disappointing and injury-ridden season, Bukayo Saka is now back to playing some of his best football just when it matters the most. This is because the speedy winger has provided no less than three goal contributions in the last three games he has played in.
- Flemming’s Physical Threat: The biggest threat for Burnley in this match would have to be their physically strong Dutchman Zian Flemming. This player has scored a total of 10 Premier League goals despite being in a losing side this season.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Arteta has got himself a problem in defence. The club’s main right-back, Ben White, will not play any more games in the current season. That means young Cristhian Mosquera will replace on the right. As far as the midfield is concerned, one of Arsenal’s most promising young talents, Myles Lewis-Skelly, will retain his position, with Gyökeres likely to start in attack ahead of Gabriel Jesus.
Expected XI: Raya; Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Mosquera; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Burnley
Manager Mike Jackson is set to employ a tough defensive strategy for this match at the Emirates. It appears that the Clarets might be missing out on Jordan Beyer, Josh Cullen, and Connor Roberts who did not play in the last game which ended in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Most of the offensive load would rest on Jaidon Anthony playing on the left wing, whereas Max Weiss would have to perform some supernatural feat in goal.
Expected XI: Weiss; Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Pires; Hannibal, Fiorentino, Ugochukwu; Tchaouna, Flemming, Anthony
PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-0 Burnley. It will certainly not be at this match where we are likely to see any sort of title race surprise. Even though Burnley has nothing to lose, Arsenal will surely benefit from their motivation, confidence, and class as they will make a huge statement against Manchester City.
