Big one against the natural rivals.
Whom:
Burnley vs. Arsenal
What:
EPL match number five.
Where:
Turf Moor!
When:
10:00 AM EDT
How to Watch:
NBCSN! The streak continues!
What’s at Stake:
Burnley could kind of use a win, or at least a point, but it’s not essential. So early in the year. Just, you know, have let a few slip away now, so following through would be nice.
The Odds:
I’m seeing Arsenal at +100 to win, Burnley at +290, and a draw at +240, so better than a 50% shot at getting at least a point.
Burnley Squad:
Sounds like Dale Stephens is the only one conclusively out, though it doesn’t sound that likely Connor Roberts or Kevin Long will be out there. Wouldn’t be a shock if Nathan Collins were back.
The Opponent:
Arsenal has just one good result on the year, a victory over zero-point Norwich. They do have a lot of talent, though, and two of their losses have come to Chelsea and Man City, which are obviously respectable. They’re rated the fifth-best team in the league by FiveThirtyEight, though they also give the Gunners a six percent chance of being relegated.
Notably, Granit Xhaka is suspended due to a red card in the Man City match, and I say that’s notable because everyone’s complaining about Burnley being dirty but Burnley hasn’t gotten a red card in forever.
Sean Dyche Extension:
It happened!!!!!! Announcement yesterday. Four more years. Those are the terms. I’m not doing the reelection chant thing. We can do that too, though. If you want.
Burnley FC Women:
The women’s team is off this weekend.
Partner Clubs:
Cobh Ramblers (Ireland, second tier) have a new manager. Darren Murphy. I thought they were set to host third-place Galway United tomorrow, but it appears I was incorrect. Looks like they don’t play ‘til next weekend, and don’t play Galway for two more weeks. Wonder what happened there.
Ayr United (Scotland, second tier) played two ineligible guys in the closing minutes of their 3-0 win Tuesday over Rangers FC’s B team in the Scottish Challenge Cup. Unclear what the consequence will be. They might have the result overturned, though. In the meantime, league match against Hamilton tomorrow, with whom they’re tied in the table in a tight bottom half.
Portadown (Northern Ireland, first tier) won Tuesday in the Northern Ireland Football League Cup, moving on to the Round of 16. They visit Carrick tomorrow, trying to build some space between themselves and last place in the league.
Llandudno (Wales, second tier) plays Llanidloes tomorrow at home, with a theoretical shot at climbing to the top of their table. Go get ‘em, fellas.
Bertie News:
Nothing. What a quiet bee. I hope he’s up to something shocking.
