Arsenal will travel to Turf Moore this weekend to face relegation battling Burnley, in search of an eighth successive league win, to try and further close the gap on league leaders Chelsea.
The Gunners have great momentum going into this fixture as Europe’s top form side so-far, after an impressive 4-1 victory over Liverpool to pipe Manchester City for 2nd place.
North London rivals Tottenham failed to break down a stubborn Burnley side in a goalless draw last weekend, and Arsene Wenger’s men may face a similar test against a team looking to lift themselves out of the drop zone.
Team News
Arsenal will test the fitness of both Laurent Koscielny and Wojciech Szczesny. The French defender came off with a groin injury in the second half of last week’s game, as Szczesny was absent from the squad with a rib injury.
Midfielders Jack Wilshere (ankle), captain Mikel Arteta (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (calf) are all finally back in contention to play again this season, as well as defender Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder).
Wilshere has been out of action since coming second best to a crunching challenge, during November’s encounter with Manchester United as Diaby’s only appearance, was the league cup defeat to Southampton. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring) remains out.
Burnley will welcome the returns of winger Ross Wallace (knee) and right-back Steven Reid (calf), as well as midfielder Matt Taylor after a seven month injury lay-off.
However, midfielder Dean Marney and defender Kevin Long who both suffered cruciate ligament damage, remain sidelined.
Predicted Line-ups
Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista is certain to start this game if Koscielny isn’t passed fit, but may start regardless ahead of Per Mertesacker. Debuchy could be named in the squad but will see his position maned by Hector Bellerin once again.
Overall, the team who swept Liverpool aside last week is expected to remain more or less the same.
Arsenal:Â Ospina, Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud
Subs: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Arteta, Wilshere, Walcott, Welbeck
Burnley:Â Heaton, Trippier, Mee, Shackell, Keane, Kightly, Boyd, Jones, Arfield, Ings, Barnes
Subs: Gilks, Ward, Duff, Wallace, Taylor, Vokes, Jutkiewicz