Burnley v Arsenal preview

Clarets look to shock high-flying Gunners

Last updated: 16th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Burnley v Arsenal preview

Coyle: Aiming to cause upset

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 1-3

SKY BET odds: Burnley 6/1, Draw 3/1, Arsenal 1/2

One to Watch: Andrey Arshavin

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Burnley's tremendous home form will be put to the test when title hopefuls Arsenal travel to Turf Moor on Wednesday.

The Clarets have made an encouraging start to the campaign and can consolidate their position in mid-table with a victory over the Gunners.

They have already shown they are a match for anyone at home, having only lost once and beaten the likes of Manchester United, Everton and Sunderland.

Arsenal also lost at Turf Moor in last season's Carling Cup and Owen Coyle has insisted Burnley will not change their passing approach for the latest visit of Arsene Wenger's men.

That may come as music to Wenger's ears as the Gunners have sometimes struggled against more physical opponents on previous trips north to places like Bolton and Blackburn.

Arsenal demonstrated their own battling qualities to come from behind and defeat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday.

The result put them firmly back in the title race after Chelsea and Manchester United dropped points a day earlier, and Wenger will have ordered his players to keep up the intensity.

Team news

Burnley came through their 1-1 draw against Fulham on Saturday without picking up any fresh injury concerns.

Only long-term absentees Martin Paterson, Chris McCann and Jay Rodriguez remain on the sidelines.

Coyle is unlikely to tinker too much with his line-up but may decide to rest one or two players ahead of Sunday's crucial game away to Wolves.

Arsenal manager Wenger may also decide to freshen things up following the victory over Liverpool and will be forced into a couple of changes at least.

The left-back curse struck again over the weekend with Armand Traore suffering a hamstring problem, so Mikael Silvestre is likely to slot in.

Denilson has also been ruled out with a back injury and could be replaced in the starting XI by Abou Diaby.

Emmanuel Eboue is also available again after overcoming a hamstring problem, while the likes of Eduardo and Aaron Ramsey will be hoping to get opportunities.

Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Robin van Persie (ankle) remain sidelined, along with defenders Gael Clichy (back), Kieran Gibbs (foot) and Johan Djourou (knee).

Possible starting XIs

Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Jordan, Carlisle, Bikey, Caldwell, Eagles, Alexander, Elliott, Blake, Fletcher.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Silvestre, Song, Diaby, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Eduardo.

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