Burnley Set to Battle Arsenal: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Table-topping Arsenal are seeking their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions as they face Burnley at Turf Moor this Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's side maintained their momentum during the week, overcoming Brighton & Hove Albion's impressive first-half display to secure a 2–0 victory and book their place in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Crystal Palace will be their opponents in December.

Palace have already fallen victim to the league frontrunners during their remarkable winning streak. Arsenal haven't allowed a goal since Nick Woltemade's header for Newcastle United on September 28, and they currently hold a four-point advantage at the top.

Burnley have shown themselves to be far more resilient than many anticipated this campaign, with Scott Parker applying lessons from past Premier League struggles. The Clarets have climbed to 16th position following back-to-back victories, including last weekend's thrilling 3–2 triumph at Molineux.

The home side remain likely candidates for the relegation battle, but the heat is off this weekend following victories over Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Saturday's Premier League encounter.

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Burnley Team News

Parker may consider a tactical adjustment for Arsenal's arrival, with Burnley potentially switching to a five-man defense on Saturday. They'll look to restrict the visitors around their penalty box, similar to their approach against Liverpool earlier this season.

Hjalmar Ekdal could therefore return to the Burnley lineup, while Zian Flemming, who netted his maiden two Premier League strikes last weekend, will partner with Jaidon Anthony in attack. Lyle Foster was healthy enough to net the decisive goal at Wolves, but he may again be limited to a substitute role.

Connor Roberts, Zeki Amdouni and Jordan Beyer remain unavailable due to injuries.

Burnley Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Burnley predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (5-3-2): Dúbravka; Walker, Tuanzebe, Ekdal, Estève, Hartman; Cullen, Ugochukwu, Luís; Anthony, Flemming.

Arsenal Team News

Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli will be absent from Saturday's journey to Turf Moor, but William Saliba could feature in the matchday squad after missing the Carabao Cup triumph over Brighton.

Declan Rice sustained a minor injury in the victory over Crystal Palace but was healthy enough to appear from the bench on Wednesday. Riccardo Calafiori wasn't utilized as a precaution, however. Should the Italian remain unavailable this weekend, Myles Lewis-Skelly will likely step in. Piero Hincapié represents another alternative.

Arteta anticipates that several of his currently injured players will return following the November international window, including Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke. Gabriel Jesus's comeback won't be hurried after he sustained a serious knee injury early in the year.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Burnley

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Burnley (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.

Burnley vs. Arsenal Score Prediction

Squad rotation gave Brighton an opportunity in midweek, but Kepa Arrizabalaga's goal remained intact. Arsenal have therefore maintained clean sheets in six consecutive matches.

Although Burnley found the net three times last weekend and have developed into an effective counter-attacking force, it's difficult to imagine them penetrating this fortress-like defense. Arsenal's defensive solidity is remarkable, and this should be another contest where they progressively dominate and ultimately overwhelm their opponents.

A single goal should suffice, and if they score early, the league leaders could overpower Parker's team.

Prediction: Burnley 0–1 Arsenal