Arsenal will have an excellent opportunity to get back to winning ways as they play hosts to a struggling Burnley on Sunday. The Gunners have had a horrible start to their league campaign and with just 13 points on the board, they are dawdling in the bottom half of the table. It doesn’t bode well for Mikel Arteta, who will be desperate for all three points in an attempt to relieve some pressure off his shoulders.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup Vs Burnley
Defence
Arsenal will have a lot of options in the defensive department due to the return of Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers in recent weeks. The former, in particular, is making a strong case after two excellent performances in the UEFA Europa League, but it remains unlikely that he will be rushed back into the team following a long injury layoff.
David Luiz thus remains the favourite to operate alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been by far Arsenal’s best defender this season at the heart of the four-man backline.
Elsewhere, there should be routine changes with Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney both replacing Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the fullback positions. One last change in the defensive unit will see Runar Alex Runarsson making way for Bernd Leno in between the sticks. The German will be hoping for his first clean sheet in three Premier League matches.
Midfield
Thomas Partey is more than likely to miss the game after picking up an injury once again during the north London derby. His absence makes Granit Xhaka almost a guaranteed starter.
As far as his midfield partner is concerned, there are three options in Mohamed Elneny, Dani Ceballos and Joe Willock. Elneny, in particular, is the favourite after scoring an outstanding goal in midweek and then getting substituted at the stroke of the hour-mark.
Attack
Arteta should make wholesale changes in attack despite an impressive showing in midweek. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is once again likely to spearhead the Arsenal attack, with Alexandre Lacazette just in behind – in the number ten role, though the Frenchman could join Auba depending on the situation.
Elsewhere, Nicolas Pepe remains suspended, so Arsenal should recall both Willian and Bukayo Saka back into the side. These two are likely to operate as wide attackers, hoping to provide creative support to the two centre forwards, though Arteta could be tempted to introduce Eddie Nketiah later in the game.
