In the Premier League early kick-off on Saturday, Arsenal host Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. Both teams made winning starts to their campaigns and will be looking to continue their momentum in this clash. Arsenal opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Burnley recorded a slightly more convincing 3-0 win over Southampton at Turf Moor, with striker Ashley Barnes grabbing a brace.
Arsenal (Odds to win 2/7)
Arsenal will be happy to get the campaign off to a winning start and to keep a clean sheet. However, they will know that they have to do better in games to finish in the top-four this season.
A late-season collapse last season saw the Gunners miss out on the Champions League by just one point. Unai Emery’s side failed to win in their last two home games in the top-flight. However, the positive for the team from north London is that they have a stellar home record of ten wins from their last 12 league matches at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners certainly fired in that run of 12 games, scoring at least twice in 11 of the matches. You can always count on the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to produce on home soil.
Another major positive for Emery’s side heading into this clash is that the Gunners have won the last ten meetings with the Clarets in all competitions. The last time Burnley won a league game against Arsenal was way back in 1974.
Arsenal will likely hand a debut to deadline day signing David Luiz. The Brazilian arrived from London rivals Chelsea for a fee in the region of £8million. Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will also return to the squad after missing the trip to Newcastle over safety concerns. Forward Nicolas Pepe could also make his first start for Emery’s team.
Burnley (Odds to win 17/2)
The Clarets made a woeful start to last season and ended up in the relegation battle. An opening game victory over Southampton will have the Clarets heading to north London in high spirits. Ironically, Sean Dyche’s team suffered a 3-1 defeat at home against Arsenal on the last day of last season. The Clarets will be looking for revenge in this clash.
However, a record of three defeats from their last five away games in the top-flight suggests that the team from the north west may be making a fruitless journey to north London.
The visitors need to put right some defensive problems on their travels from last season. Dyche’s team conceded at least twice in four of their last five league matches on their travels. The poor defensive record does not bode well with Arsenal attacking prowess on home soil.
Prediction
Arsenal are big favourites to win this game. Burnley have caused the Gunners problems in the distant past. However, Arsenal have recorded comfortable wins over the Clarets in the last three meetings, scoring at least three in all of the victories.
Both sides looked more solid in defence than last season in their opening games. However, only time will tell if those defensive displays were just one-offs, though.
We fancy the Arsenal win, but also the over 2.5 goals (odds of 8/13). Unfortunately, these do not offer great odds. However, combined you may get a better return for your stake.
Our Verdict: Arsenal win (odds of 2/7) and/or over 2.5 goals (odds of 8/13) All odds taken from Bet365
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