Arsenal Vs Burnley: Predicted starting XI

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal 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) /

Front Three

When everyone is fit and firing, the front three will undoubtedly be Arsenal’s strength. The two strikers were their saving grace last season. Add in a club-record signing out wide and you get one of the best attacking triumvirates in the Premier League. However, at present, fitness has not been afforded such players.

Nicolas Pepe did not play a minute of pre-season football, handed 19 minutes of action against Newcastle, while Alexandre Lacazette is dealing with an ankle problem. Lacazette made the bench last weekend and is said to be fit for Saturday, but Pepe will likely not be fully sharp just yet.

As a result, I expect just one change from the front three that started last weekend, Lacazette coming in for Reiss Nelson, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shifting to the left side and the disappointing Henrikh Mkhitaryan continuing from the right. It would be nice to see Nelson start instead of Mkhitaryan, but Emery likes the Armenian’s experience and obviously trusts him.

Next. Arsenal Vs Burnley: 5 key players to watch. dark

Pepe, Nelson and others will be on hand to change the game late on should Arsenal require. But for now, Emery’s team selection is about managing match sharpness while still trying to win.

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

By Andrew Dowdeswell | Aug 15, 2019

Front Three