LONDON-born Ade Akinbiyi fell under Arsenal's spell as a child.

But although the Premiership leaders boast a crop of mesmeric footballers, the striker is urging Burnley to resist being bewitched by the Gunners.

And as they enter into Sunday's FA Cup third round clash, his team-mates need look no further than the 6ft 1ins front man for inspiration in how to handle the Wenger-boys.

For this isn't the first time Akinbiyi has gone head-to-head with Arsenal at this stage of the competition after being faced with a trip to Highbury with former club Stoke three years ago, as the Gunners won 2-1.

"Stoke came here, defended well, relied on Ade Akinbiyi, and he gave our defenders a hard time," said Wenger after avoiding an early exit.

Those defenders - Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure, Senderos and Gael Clichy - are now, of course, established first team players - and the ones who are likely to be charged with shutting out the Clarets on Sunday.

"They've got quality, whether it's the first team or the young lads who come in.

"It's phenomenal," said Akinbiyi.