Mikel Arteta is desperate for a Premier League win, so let’s take a look at our predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley as he tries to get one.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures during the UEFA Europa League 1st round day 2 Group B football match between Arsenal and Dundalk at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 29, 2020. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on October 29, 2020. Arteta needs a win in the league, and we expect he’ll go as strong as he can in our predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta left a few players out of his squad to face Dundalk on Thursday, which is a very strong indicator those players will start at the weekend.

Among them are Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bernd Leno, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin, and David Luiz. It’s possible Arsenal are just being cautious with Luiz after the cut to his head, as he’s yet to feature in a squad since then.

As for the rest, here’s our predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley.

Goalkeeper

LEEDS, ENGLAND: Bernd Leno of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on November 22, 2020. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND: Bernd Leno of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on November 22, 2020. Leno makes our predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley, as usual in the league. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

After a full rest in midweek, Bernd Leno should return to start on Sunday. He remains Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Runar Alex Runarsson.

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Defence

Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League - Emirates Stadium Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Copyright: Catherine Ivill
Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Premier League – Emirates Stadium Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Gabriel is an easy choice in our predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley. Copyright: Catherine Ivill

It seems unlikely Arteta makes many changes at the back either. He’s not going to drop Gabriel Magalhaes, and there isn’t really an alternative to Kieran Tierney with Sead Kolasinac out. Rob Holding seems to be in favour with the Arsenal boss too.

Hector Bellerin is the only one whose current form could lead to a change, but clearly not, given he was left at home on Thursday. So I’d expect the same back four as against Spurs.

Midfield

LONDON, ENGLAND: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2020. Xhaka returns to the squad in our predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Granit Xhaka should start after his absence on Thursday, likely alongside Dani Ceballos given Thomas Partey is injured. In the current system, Alexandre Lacazette is likely to start ahead of them. Again, it’s hard to see many alternatives here.

Forwards

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal looks on, on November 29, 2020. The club captain is in our predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

With Nicolas Pepe still out through suspension, and Reiss Nelson injured, Willian will have to start ahead of them. Bukayo Saka should keep his place on the other side, as it’s hard to drop the youngster right now.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will take his place up front after a rest on Thursday. Before the Dundalk game, Arteta insisted Aubameyang isn’t undroppable, but it’s hard to see Eddie Nketiah or anyone else getting the nod ahead of him this weekend.

Gabriel Martinelli is closing in on a long-awaited return, but he’s going to feature again for the u23s before he makes his first-team comeback.

Predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley

Predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley created with Chosen11.com
Predicted Arsenal lineup for Burnley created with Chosen11.com
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