EPL: Arsenal v Burnley preview

Arsenal v Burnley preview

Arsenal's Premier League clash with Burnley on Sunday - Arsene Wenger's final home game in charge of the club - will be an emotional occasion, according to the Frenchman.

The Arsenal manager, who saw his side exit the Europa League semi-finals to Atletico Madrid on Thursday, will stand down at the end of the season after almost 22 years in charge of the north London club.

Wenger admitted the match at the Emirates would be a sad affair.

 

"I feel sad because I love this club and what it represents and you don't leave 22 years of your life and walk away easy," he said.

"But I have dealt with difficult situations in my life and I will do it again."

In fact, Sean Dyche's team could still finish above Arsenal - described as a "fine side" by Dyche, despite the Gunners' disappointing campaign - in sixth place.

The 46-year-old was full of praise for his team's ability to create another "historic marker".

After going 12 matches without a win in all competitions from December 12, Burnley have since won five games on the bounce to reignite their charge for European football.

"The players deserve a fantastic amount of credit for this season and every other season I have been here," said Dyche.

"There hasn't been a season here where I haven't taken pride in what the players have attempted to do - even the season it didn't work out for us [relegation in 2015].

"They gave their lot, they wanted to try and make it work for us and it didn't just happen. Whereas, this season we have had a marvellous season.

"The players deserve enormous credit for the mental stability they have shown through a tough spell, especially after Christmas, to then get five wins and put ourselves back in the position we are in. Fantastic credit to all of them, not just the 11 I pick."

Arsenal will be without captain Laurent Koscielny for Burnley's visit after the defender suffered a serious Achilles injury in Thursday's Europa League defeat to Atletico Madrid and looks set to miss the World Cup with France.

Mohamed Elneny (ankle) and Santi Cazorla (Achilles) are also sidelined, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can return having been cup-tied in Europe.

Meanwhile, Burnley hope to have Chris Wood available after the striker was substituted with a gashed foot in last weekend's goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, Ben Mee is a doubt for the game as the centre-back continues his recover from a shin problem.