Predicted Arsenal XI to face Burnley in the Premier League
Arsenal crashed out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Spurs in what was the second north London derby of the season.
The Gunners’ unbeaten run of 22 games across all competitions ended with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Southampton away from home last week and Unai Emery’s men will be desperate to get back to winning ways after a couple of lacklustre results when they play host to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.
Burnley showed a lot of resilience against Spurs last week and Christian Eriksen’s injury-time winner settled the game. Hence, Arsenal will have to be at the top of their game to claim all three points against the Clarets this weekend.
Team News
Unai Emery has a lot of injuries to contend with for Saturday’s clash. Hector Bellerin (calf), Konstantinos Mavropanos (groin) and Rob Holding (knee) are all ruled out while Sead Kolasinac and Shkodran Mustafi are doubtful to play a part.
Youngster Emile Smith Rowe is ruled out and so is Danny Welbeck who is sidelined with a long-term ankle injury.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Predicted XI
1. Bernd Leno (GK)
He wasn’t particularly impressive against Southampton last week but he has been the first-choice for Emery between the sticks and will be expected to start on Saturday.
2. Stephan Lichtsteiner (RB)
The veteran might be in line for a start in the absence of Hector Bellerin.
3. Sokratis (CB)
He was the pick of the backline in the Carabao Cup tie and Arsenal will once again rely heavily on him to provide solidity at the heart of the defence.
4. Laurent Koscielny (CB)
The Frenchman has a torrid time against the Saints last week but he might get another start after being rested for the Carabao Cup game.
5. Nacho Monreal (LB)
The Spaniard did a decent job against Spurs in the Carabao Cup and should once again be amongst the starters for this one.
6. Granit Xhaka (CDM)
The Swiss international struggled in an unfamiliar centre-back role in the Carabao Cup but should be back to his original position for the weekend clash.
7. Lucas Torreira (CDM)
He has been in impressive form this season and his energy and tenacity are valuable assets to the Gunners’ midfield.
8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)
He scored a brace in the Premier League last week and also put up an inspirational display in the Carabao Cup.
9. Aaron Ramsey (CAM)
The Welshman tried to make things happen with his inventive passing in the Carabao Cup and should get another start on Saturday.
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10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
He has been in blistering form this season and Arsenal will need him to rise to the occasion once again.
11. Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman has been one of the key components of Arsenal’s attack and he will be expected to fire on all cylinders this weekend.
