On May 18, 2026, Arsenal will host Burnley in a decisive Premier League match at Emirates Stadium, aiming to secure three points that could bring them closer to the title.
Why it matters: Arsenal is currently at the top of the Premier League and needs wins in their last two matches to clinch the title. Burnley, already relegated, poses a low threat but could disrupt Arsenal's momentum.
Arsenal is competing for the Premier League title in the 2025/26 season, needing victories against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Burnley has already been relegated and is at the bottom of the league, making this match a must-win for Arsenal.
The Gunners lost 2-1 to Manchester City exactly one month prior, prompting a need for redemption.
Burnley has not won any of their last nine league matches, with 2 draws and 7 losses.
Driving the news: Arsenal's recent form has been strong, winning their last three matches, including a tense derby against West Ham, where Leandro Trossard scored the winning goal.
Arsenal benefited from Manchester City's 1-0 loss to Everton in round 35, gaining an advantage in the title race.
The Gunners reached the Champions League final by defeating Atletico Madrid, demonstrating their competitive edge this season.
In their last five matches, Arsenal has scored six goals and conceded just two, showing both offensive and defensive strength.
Burnley lost 0-1 to Manchester City in round 34, confirming their relegation weeks ago.
State of play: Mikel Arteta has made changes to the Arsenal lineup due to injuries, but remains focused on fielding a strong team against Burnley.
Ben White, Jurian Timber, and Mikel Merino are sidelined due to injuries, necessitating adjustments in the squad.
Expected starters for Arsenal include David Raya, Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Declan Rice.
Burnley’s caretaker manager Mike Jackson has not made any changes from their previous match against Aston Villa, where they drew 2-2.
21-year-old goalkeeper Max Weiss, who made his debut in the last match, is expected to start again.
The big picture: Arsenal's performance against Burnley is expected to set the tone for their final push toward the Premier League title.
The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal an 87.8% chance of victory, indicating a strong likelihood of success.
Historically, teams with such high predicted win percentages have won their matches, adding pressure on Arsenal to deliver.
Arsenal has dominated recent encounters with Burnley, winning their last three matches against them by at least two goals.
Burnley has struggled significantly this season, winning only 2 out of 18 away matches, and currently ranks as the 93rd best team globally according to Opta.
What they're saying: Arsenal players and management are aware of the stakes and the need to maintain focus against a struggling Burnley side.
Arteta emphasized the importance of not underestimating Burnley, stating, "We must be focused and treat every match seriously to secure our goals."
Bukayo Saka, a key player for Arsenal, expressed his desire to win a major trophy with the club, highlighting the motivation driving the team.
Burnley’s players are determined to finish the season positively, with one stating, "We want to show we can compete until the end, regardless of our situation in the league."
By the numbers: The statistics highlight the contrasting forms of the two teams heading into this match.
Arsenal has won 9 out of 9 home league games this season against teams currently in the bottom half, scoring 23 goals and conceding just 2.
Burnley has only managed 2 wins, 3 draws, and 13 losses in their away matches this season.
In their last five Premier League games, Burnley has suffered 4 defeats and scored only 5 goals, conceding 10.
Arsenal's recent form includes four wins in their last five matches across all competitions, reinforcing their title credentials.
What's next: Following the match against Burnley, Arsenal will face Crystal Palace in a final showdown that could decide the Premier League title.
The match against Crystal Palace will take place on the final day of the season, with Arsenal needing another win to secure the championship.
Fans are eager to see if Arsenal can maintain their form and clinch the title after a long wait since their last Premier League victory.
Kick-off for the Burnley match is scheduled for 3:00 PM local time, and it will be broadcast live in the U.S. on USA Network and UNIVERSO.
As Arsenal aims for glory, every player is expected to give their all to avoid any slip-ups that could jeopardize their title chase.