Burnley Preview: Three points essential 16 December, 2009

We kick off in at Turf Moor in just a few hours so only time for a quick preview today. We’re all still a bit giddy from Sunday’s win but tonight is just as important and we have to be totally focused. If we don’t pick up three points here then the come back at Anfield will have been pointless.

And it’s not as if we can think, ‘Oh it’s only Burnley.’ They have a terrific home record, which includes a win over Man United. Only one team has managed to take all the points away from a game there this season but we need to become the second.

Man United and Villa both won yesterday so have made a bit of ground. Spurs host Man City tonight and Wigan are playing at Liverpool. Anything less than a win tonight and we’re going back a step again after all our hard work.

Traore and Denilson are injured from Sunday. Traore might return after Christmas but I’m not sure how serious Denilson’s is. It means Silvestre will come in at left back for at least the next couple of games. Arshavin was set to miss out too but he has recovered in time and Wenger has hailed his toughness. I was expecting Eduardo to start tonight after not playing at Anfield but I’m not so sure who’s going to be centre forward now.

Arsene’s also been talking about Almunia and says he has full faith in our no.1. He didn’t have the best of games at the weekend but Arsene doesn’t blame him for the goal.

Ok so I think we might start like this tonight:

Almunia
Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen – Silvestre
Song
Fabregas (c) – Diaby
Nasri – Eduardo – Arshavin

I can’t tell what Wenger’s going to do but I do know he will put out the best possible team in order to win this tough game. Not like Wolves last night who made 10 changes for their trip to Old Trafford. How embarrassing.

We’re not on TV tonight but I’m going to see if I can find a stream. If I get a decent one I’ll put it up on my twitter.

Thanks for reading. Come on Arsenal!