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) 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e804c9c596d01ce812e3dc0d032e6837107c1f1d1e7609dbf1e04de7c15cdcab.jpg)
Central Midfield
Emery handed a Premier League start to a 19-year-old central midfielder. And that central midfielder rewarded him with an energetic, direct, vivacious performance. So why drop him?
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Joe Willock is not expected to start on a regular basis this Premier League season. But while Emery deals with a swathe of injuries and lack of match fitness in central midfield, he is a more than capable option to rely upon, as he proved last weekend. He starts once more.
Alongside Willock, 20-year-old Matteo Guendouzi will join him. The Frenchman improved as the Newcastle victory progressed and could be in for a sensational season if he can tidy up the rough edges of his vastly talented game. The third and final option is a little more difficult to piece together.
Granit Xhaka was expected to start, as he did last weekend, but he is dealing with lower back and leg bruising and will be assessed before kick-off. With matches against Liverpool and Spurs looming, expect Emery to take it easy with his club captain. That could very well open the door for a Dani Ceballos debut, who is the next in line. He played almost half-an-hour last weekend, looking sharp in certain moments, and could form a youthful and vibrant midfield three.