Arsenal v Burnley – FIVE players to watch out for today

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The host Gunners entertains the visiting side Burnley in the return fixture of the Barclays Premier League with so much to expect as the big guns minus the main rival (Chelsea at the top of the Premier League summit) like Liverpool, City and Tottenham Hotspur while United needed a late goal from their Veteran skipper Wayne Rooney to draw United back in the game which was cagey at Britannia Stadium (Stoke City).

Arsenal at home are expected to win especially with the improved defensive stability as regards to the combo of Mustafi and skipper Laurent Koscielny in the Arsenal backline. It will be a tactical tussle in the touch line though as players do the battle on the field of play. It looks like both teams have some players in form as they look set to pick something from the game. On this note we evaluate the five players that can make a difference in the game between Arsenal and Burnley.

ALEX IWOBI
The young lad had been impressive in games and will likely be handed a starting shirt as always ahead of English forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the Arsenal set-up. His performance in the last two games against Preston North End and Swansea City have been commendable especially at Swansea, where he was instrumental in the huge score line Arsenal recorded in the game. He caused Swansea all sorts of problems with his flair and directness in the final third and expect the young lad to shine against Burnley in front of Arsenal home fans. The forwards ability to score goals just like in the Stoke City and Crystal Palace games will come handy for Arsenal chances going into the fixtures.

ANDRE GRAY
The Burnley man will have a say in what might happen at Emirates Stadium this weekend as they visit Arsenal in the Premier League. With top sides like Liverpool and Manchester United all dropping points against Swansea and Stoke City respectively with the center forward notching a goal, the Burnley star will fancy his chances.
Despite the fact that Arsenal may have the pair of Koscielny and Mustafi in the Burnley game Arsenal defensive renovations as regards to Hector Bellerin’s absence due to injury may trigger certain level of imbalances in the Arsenal vital areas that the big forward can capitalize on. The forward is in good form following recent exploits in the top flight this season and a test awaits Arsenal from the Big forward who have all it takes to crack the Gunners defence with his guile and physical strength especially in aerial duels where Arsenal have proved vulnerable all times long in the season.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ
The diminutive forward might have put on a show which drew headlines last week as regards to his commitment to the club in recent days but when the Chile star is on the pitch, he is a different can of worms for the opposition. The forward got a goal despite his substitution against Swansea City and was in confident mood following decent link-up play in the final third as he set up the run of Welsh midfield player Aaron Ramsey with a well-tailored pass that forced Swansea goalie to make a decent save. Sanchez’ directness along with Theo Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain in transition have been explosive for Arsenal this season causing the opposing sides to be pegged back into their defence. This was evident as Arsenal hit five goal past West Ham United away from home in December with Sanchez getting a well-deserved hat-trick and this is why Burnley will have their hands full against the Arsenal forward when the ball is set into play.

SAM VOKES
Samuel Michael “Sam ”Vokes is an integral part of the Burnley set up this term as he have contributed immensely to the success of the newly promoted side (Burnley) in transition. The forward was really impactful as they defeated Liverpool 2-0 earlier in the season. His support and build up play alongside leading striker Andre Gray will be key in stifling out something from Arsenal’s defence in the game. The Welsh forward possesses his own cannon of threat and with the support of guys like Joey Barton and the aforementioned forward (Gray) expect the Welsh forward to come on board in the game causing Arsenal some problems at the Emirates.

GRANIT XHAKA
The Arsenal new signing from Borussia Moenchengladbach Granit Xhaka seemed to have very much acclimatized to the Premier League football and Arsenal team scheme unlike the one in the German Bundesliga and his former Club. He has made the midfield his own leaving competition for second spot between French midfield player (Francis) Coquelin and Egyptian star Mohamed Elneny who is away at the African Cup of Nations(GABON 2017). His performancse have been evident as his passes and distribution have been awesome all season. His level of calmness and awareness in possession is what makes him a priced asset at the club in view of the return of Santi Cazorla as we expected another commanding display from the Swiss International which will certainly influence the Arsenal game performance against Burnley.

 

Obiweluozo Martins

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