Arsenal Vs Burnley: Predicted starting XI

Arsenal Vs Burnley: Predicted starting XI – Any new debuts?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal is substituted on for Reiss Nelson of Arsenal for his debut during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on August 11, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: Henri Saivet of Newcastle United runs with the ball whilst pressured by Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on August 11, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Centre-Backs

With the dramatic and sudden departure of Laurent Koscielny, the continued injuries to Rob Holding and Dinos Mavropanos, and obvious distrust of Shkodran Mustafi, Emery’s options at the centre-back position are not exactly flush.

Sokratis will start every game he is fit. He is not an elite defender, but he is the most experienced, the best natural defender, and is a terrific organiser and commander of those around him, which is precisely what Arsenal require at the position. The uncertainty is who will play alongside him.

Last week, it was Calum Chambers, who performed admirably upon his return to north London. The now 24-year-old faces a critical season as he looks to finally establish his Arsenal career. If he is ever to make it in north London, he must perform this year. David Luiz will be chomping at the bit to make his club debut, but Chambers played well last week and will not be dropped until it is deemed necessary.