Arsenal host Burnley in the Premier League this Saturday at the Emirates Stadium, hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s controversial defeat to Newcastle United.
The Gunners put two successive domestic defeats behind them by beating Sevilla 2-0 at home in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. It was a comprehensive win over Sevilla which left them on the brink of qualification to the last 16.
Thus, Mikel Arteta will be confident of heading into the international break with a win over Burnley, who head into their visit to the Emirates Stadium having won just one of their opening 11 league encounters so far this season.
Arsenal Team News
Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu are fresh injury concerns, although neither player is expected to have sustained a major issue. Both could feature against Burnley on Saturday.
Eddie Nketiah is in contention to return having missed the win over Sevilla with a knock. Martin Odegaard has missed the last two games but could also be back involved against Vincent Kompany’s Clarets.
Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, and Jurrien Timber are all out for the Gunners.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Arsenal should lineup in a 4-3-3 shape, with David Raya expected to continue in goal.
Defence
In defence, Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury against Sevilla means that Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to come in at left-back. Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should maintain their usual spots in the starting XI.
The Arsenal back four must stay focused and avoid mistakes for Burnley to pounce on.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Jorginho should continue in his No.6 role and allow the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to play their natural game. As two No.8s, Rice and Havertz will be hoping to find spaces in between the Burnley midfield and create opportunities for the forwards.
Martin Odegaard could get some minutes off the bench after a spell on the sidelines. If the Gunners find it difficult to break down Burnley, the Norwegian playmaker’s guile and vision could then become key. Fabio Vieira should also get an opportunity to impress.
Attack
Bukayo Saka is expected to shake off his own injury concern and become available to face Burnley. He and Gabriel Martinelli should flank Leandro Trossard, with the three forwards all having excellent showings against Sevilla in the Champions League and hope to form a strong relationship in the coming weeks while Gabriel Jesus is still out.
Eddie Nketiah could shake off his knock to be available for some minutes in the second half against Kompany’s struggling side.