Arsenal have a chance to reach the fifth round of this season's FA Cup as they bid to clinch the competition for the third successive year, hosting Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

In the Gunners way on Saturday are Championship opposition Burnley, who like Arsenal, have been consistent in the league thus far. 

Usually around this time of the year Arsenal have their typical slump though. After defeat last time out to Chelsea in a game they should have got something from, it will be crucial for Wenger's men to bounce back this weekend.

An FA Cup tie in the form of weaker opposition presents the Gunners with a very good chance to do just that, and consequently put themselves in the hat for the next round.

Burnley came from behind to beat fellow Championship high-flyers Middlesborough in the last round and they will be hoping that a more than likely weakened Arsenal side are not at their best if they're to force a replay, or even win.

On paper it should be a routine victory for Arsenal, but the magic of the cup may well have a part to play in the outcome of the match. 

Unbeatable in the cup?

Burnley will be facing a side that are near unbeatable in the FA Cup at the moment. Arsenal have of course won the last two competitions and safely made it through the third round against Sunderland at the beginning of the month. 

The FA Cup brings back fond memories for this Arsenal side, particularly after ending their trophy drought 2 years ago with victory over Hull.

That was then followed up with another success in this competition last year with a 4-0 demolition job of current Premier League strugglers Aston Villa. Those two FA Cup runs have ensured that Arsenal are unbeaten in almost three years in the competition. 

Arsene Wenger and Arsenal almost have a love affair with the competition. Arsenal have won it a record 12 times, once more than Manchester United, and half of those victories have come under the French manager. Therefore, Wenger will be hoping to add yet another success to the trophy cabinet come the end of the season. 

Last time out

The last time these two sides met was in April 2015 at Turf Moor when a solitary Aaron Ramsey goal was enough to secure the points for Arsenal.

Burnley haven't beaten the Gunners since 2008 when they were victorious in the League Cup but the same season also saw the two sides meet in the FA Cup. 

On that day Arsenal won 3-0 at the Emirates, as two outstanding goals from Carlos Vela and Eduardo da Silva sealed victory with Emmanuel Eboue scoring the third.

Arsenal were at their fluent and devestating best that day and Wenger will be hoping for a similar performance this time out too. 

Team news

Arsenal's chances will be bolstered hugely by the players they have returning. It is something which will not only be key in their FA Cup run, but also pivotal in the Premier League title race.

Alexis Sanchez played the final half an hour against Chelsea but whether he starts his first game back since injury against Burnley remains to be seen.

Joel Campbell has been in good form recently so could get the chance to continue that out-wide, whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain may get a rare start. Alex Iwobi played a part in the win over Sunderland in the last round and may also be a player Wenger prefers to Sanchez as he eases him back into the action. 

Also returning is Francis Coquelin who has been a key player for Arsenal over the past year. His influence back in the team will be huge and he's been training for the past two weeks so could be in contention for a place in the squad.

Coquelin will now also have to fight it out for a place in the side with recent aquisition Mohamed Elneny who could be given his Arsenal debut on Saturday afternoon. Tomas Rosicky is also available for selection after injury. 

Arsene Wenger has meanwhile confirmed that David Ospina will play in goal over Petr Cech. It will be the Colombian's first appearance since September where he cost his team with a wretched display against Olympiacos

Danny Welbeck is nearing closer to a return, but Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla still remain a while away from coming back. 

As for Burnley, Matt Gilks is still out with an injury which means recent new signing Paul Robinson could be included in the squad. Dean Marney has a chance to be fit if he can get over a calf problem whilst Ashley Barnes and Lukas Jutkiewicz remain long term absentees.

Arsenal will have to be wary of current Championship top scorer Andre Gray, who will look to pose problems for a Gunners backline without Per Mertesacker due to suspension. 

Verdict

Despite Arsenal's current run without a win in three Premier League games, they should have enough to see off Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors come into this game off the back of an impressive win over Derby which will bring them confidence and the hope they can cause an upset at the Emirates.

Arsenal however, will be buoyed the return of some of their key players and should make it through to the fifth round. 

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About the author
Matt Dawson
Sports journalist at the University of Huddersfield. Cover Arsenal and the WSL.