Arsenal vs Burnley Predicted Lineup: What Will Change?

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Mikel Arteta the head coach / manager of Arsenal (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Arsenal host Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday.

Strap yourselves in, this won’t be pretty. Or will it? Pure routine and realism points to the former, but will Mikel Arteta suddenly have struck oil with this team on Sunday and watch on as his side ease their way to a 3-0 win?

Seeing Arsenal take to the turf, play liquid football and give fans something to savour on a Sunday night is the dream. Winning three points is the target.

After another Europa League win against opposition that shouldn’t be scoring twice, the timer on free-flowing football would normally be set to run down just in time for the Premier League’s return.

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Supporters can be ever so slightly more confident facing a Burnley side with just one win from their ten matches in the division, yet expecting a walkover goes against the grain.

In terms of team selection, a fine display in midweek for Emile Smith Rowe has brought with it calls for his involvement in some capacity, so too with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who adds athleticism to a midfield with the combined turning circle of a combine harvester.

However, based on who played no part against Dundalk, some of the more regular cast look set to return to the fold on Sunday.

Social media platforms could ignite into the usual hour-long storm of discontent when the team sheet is announced, or Arteta may have a few tricks up his sleeve to bamboozle supporters and opposition alike. Or not?

Here your predicted lineup to face Burnley on Sunday.

Gabriel, Arsenal — LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – Runar Alex Runarsson does not look especially good. Even against weak sides, everything he does from the waist up leaves plenty to be desired. Leno is the man.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – Lambasted by all for his inability to perform a task that is taught to all footballers from the age of three, it’s his worrying flaw in defending transitions that has fans most worried. Has he performed well up until a few weeks ago, though? Yes he has.

Rob Holding (CB) – When Calum Chambers returns to full fitness there is a good chance he could replace Holding in the starting lineup due to being a more comfortable operator covering space on the right side. Until then, it’s Holding who’ll remain.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – Arsenal’s best player this season alongside Bukayo Saka, he is the first name on the team sheet. He’s that good, and the rest have been that poor.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – One of the few who could still hold his head up after the derby defeat, how many crosses will he be asked to whip in this time around?