Ahead of the upcoming clash between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC on 01 November 2025, it’s crucial to assess not only each side’s current form but also how key absences may affect the match. Arsenal sit near the top of the Premier League, buoyed by strong defensive displays, while Burnley have shown promise with recent results after a difficult start.
In this blog on Odds96, we’ll highlight three Burnley players likely to miss this fixture, the injury details, and how their absence may influence Burnley’s formation, match plan and tactical approach.
Current Form & Match Context
Burnley’s recent form:
Burnley have played three Premier League matches in October: a 1-2 loss at Aston Villa, a 2-0 home win vs Leeds United, and a dramatic 3-2 away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club currently stands 16th in the division with 10 points from nine games.
Arsenal’s recent form:
Arsenal have been in excellent shape. They have kept multiple clean sheets in October, including a 1-0 win vs Crystal Palace and several dominant performances. Historically, Arsenal have had the upper hand in head-to-head against Burnley (wins in 6 of the last 10 encounters).
Match implications:
Given Arsenal’s strength and Burnley’s recent upturn, this fixture presents a stern test. For Burnley to compete, their match plan must account for their absentees, adjust their formation accordingly, and maximise the players available.
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Player Absences and Their Impact
1) Connor Roberts (Right-back / Wing-back)
Roberts is listed as injured knee/knock problems are cited in official injury listings. He is expected to return sometime later, but his unavailability for this fixture is probable.
2) Jordan Beyer (Centre-back)
Beyer is also reported injured, with knee issues listed in the injury tables and a return date around mid-January 2026.
3) Zeki Amdouni (Forward)
Amdouni is listed as sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, expected back in January 2026. Though he may not be a starter every match, Amdouni’s absence reduces depth in the attacking unit. For Burnley’s match plan, especially when aiming to exploit counterattacks or fresh legs in the closing stage, this is a loss. Burnley may need to rely more on other forwards and may have fewer options for tactical adjustments during the game, especially against a side like Arsenal likely to press.
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Tactical & Match Plan Implications for Burnley
- Formation adjustment: With defensive and attacking absences, Burnley might adopt a more conservative formation. For example, instead of a wing-back heavy shape, they could move to a flat back four, sacrificing some width to maintain central solidity.
- Defensive focus: Parker’s match plan may emphasise preventing Arsenal from dominating possession and breaking quickly on the counter. The absence of Roberts and Beyer means Burnley must double down on compactness, disciplined spacing and zonal coverage.
- Attacking strategy: Without some attacking options, Burnley must make their chances count. Their recent form (wins vs Leeds and Wolves) shows they can execute transitions and set-pieces effectively. They may rely on players like Zian Flemming, Lyle Foster and others to carry the attacking burden.
- Wide areas & transitions: With Roberts out, Burnley’s right flank becomes a target. They will need one of their wide players or full-backs to step up. Arsenal, being strong defensively, may push Burnley to attack through less-familiar channels, so preparation here is key.
- Mental resilience & depth: These absences test Burnley’s squad depth and mental strength. Parker will emphasise resilience, set-piece efficiency (which Burnley have used to score) and matching Arsenal’s intensity early to avoid falling behind.
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Conclusion
Burnley face a challenging fixture against Arsenal, but they are not without hope. The absences of Connor Roberts, Jordan Beyer and Zeki Amdouni are setbacks, impacting width, defence and attacking depth. However, the team’s recent improvement, Parker’s tactical discipline and a clear game plan give them a fighting chance. For Burnley to get a result, they will need to maximise their strengths: disciplined defence, rapid transitions, and taking advantage of set-pieces or moments when Arsenal are vulnerable.
For Arsenal, this is a match to reinforce their momentum; for Burnley, it’s an opportunity to show that they can compete despite adversity.
FAQs
Q1: Are these three players definitely ruled out versus Arsenal?
Based on the latest injury listings, yes, all three are highly likely to miss the match. The club has not indicated their availability for this fixture.
Q2: How will Burnley’s formation change because of these absences?
It is likely Parker will adopt a more cautious defensive formation, perhaps a flat back four instead of a wing-back system, and rely on counterattacks rather than sustained possession.
Q3: Who will step in to cover the absences?
For Roberts’ spot, a right-back or wing-back will be needed; defensively, another centre-back may be drafted; in attack, other forwards or wide players will get more responsibility. The manager’s selection will reflect who is available and who has been performing.
Q4: How big a blow is Amdouni’s absence?
While not necessarily the undisputed starter, his absence reduces Burnley’s attacking flexibility. It means less rotation, fewer fresh attacking options and potentially more fatigue or predictability in attack.
Q5: What should Burnley fans look for in the match?
Look out for: how they defend early, how well they utilise transitions and wide play, how they cope without key players, and whether the remaining squad can step up and deliver. A good performance may not guarantee a win against Arsenal, but it would signal growth and resilience.
