Arsenal predicted lineup vs Burnley: 3-4-3 for aerial threat?

Arsenal are back in Premier League action after an agonising gap in fixtures with no European football to whet the midweek appetite as they take on Burnley at Turf Moor. Here is the predicted lineup.

One of those fixtures where the build-up is usually dominated with how strong an outfit Burnley are and how tough it is to get a result on their patch, the reality is that Sean Dyche’s side haven’t won any of their last 12 home league outings.

That’s no intimidating fortress. Far from it.

However, Mikel Arteta is yet to taste victory over the Clarets and in his two visits to Turf Moor he’s seen his side come away with a point in both instances: a 0-0 stalemate early into his tenure and a 1-1 draw in an action-packed outing last season. In a fixture where Burnley will look to hit the front men early, does Arteta take a leaf out of Rafael Benitez’s book and go three at the back to nullify that threat?

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Burnley: Will Mikel Arteta go for 3-4-3 to counter the aerial threat and will Thomas Partey be fit to start?

After three defeats and a victory there is nothing other than three points that will suffice. Fortunately for the manager he has a squad available that is as close to full strength as it’s been in many months.

Absent for the trip with injury are Mohamed Elneny and Rob Holding, two players who are nearing returns yet aren’t exactly great misses from the starting lineup.

The more keenly felt absentee is Granit Xhaka. Having recovered from COVID-19 and returned to training, the Swiss is still suspended for two more fixtures following his red card at Manchester City.

Burnley and then AFC Wimbledon will be his misses although in many peoples’ eyes, it’s no great loss and Albert Sambi Lokonga may get another chance to shine in the middle of the park. The big question is: who does he partner if so?

Arteta’s comments ahead of Saturday’s clash weren’t the rousing Thomas Partey news most had hoped for. Doubts remain.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – There is no going back now. Having selected Ramsdale for the win over Norwich it looks all but certain that Arteta has made the call on his number one goalkeeper sooner than anticipated.

Having done nothing wrong in his two outings, the shirt is now his to lose.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Signed for a multitude of reasons, key among them was Tomiyasu’s aerial dominance.

Therefore, what better fixture to put that to the test than away at a physical side like Burnley? Will have a job on his hands dealing with Chris Wood who is likely to be targetting Ben White. While it won’t be a 3-4-3 per se, the Japan international will be far more reserved than his opposite full-back to counter the home side’s threat in the air.

Ben White (CB) – Speaking of the devil. The idea that White is terrible in the air is overblown (it’s quite important for the position) but there is no shying away from it being one of his weaker attributes.

The physical battle on the ground and in the air with Wood will be a fascinating one to watch unfold.

Gabriel (CB) – Big, physical and relishing the duels, even if Gabriel has some of the more modern centre-back traits about him he still embodies the classic rough and tumble side of matters. No slouch, nor is he a pushover, will he keep a level head throughout?

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Another player who won’t shy away from a challenge, Tierney is expected to be one of the more advanced players in the side so his focus will be on getting in behind the Clarets’ right-back all afternoon.

Midfielders

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (CM) – While the hope is that Partey will be back and available to start, Arteta stating that his ‘load has to be managed’ isn’t the most reassuring news even if he is ‘pushing’ to start.

Against Norwich, Maitland-Niles was OK. That’s about a far as it seems he can go in this position despite the lack of Premier League minutes there for Arsenal, but that might have to suffice on Saturday.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – Made huge strides already since joining in the summer but none of his tests so far will have resembled the one he’ll face in Lancashire: Brownhill and Westwood will let him know he’s in a game early doors.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – When the silk meets the soil.

Martin Odegaard is going to be heavily involved throughout on Saturday as he presses from the front foot and screams for possession aiming to unpick the Burnley lock. How quickly he settles into the game will be an indicator of what is to come.

It’s these fixtures where his technical nous is needed.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Back out on the right wing, how Saka and Tomiyasu combine down that flank will make for interesting viewing.

While it’s not likely to be three at the back, the formation will resemble that for large spells as Tomiyasu adds aerial prowess in the defence, meaning the asymmetric shape will have Saka coming in and out of the half-spaces with Odegaard. Could be a wider than average position for him.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – Is Lacazette an option?

Perhaps, but with the captain notching his first goal of the season and also having a technical ensemble around him to help him flourish, it will be Aubameyang once more leading the line as it is expected to be for most of the Premier League campaign.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – One need only see the difference in centrality and penetration once Smith Rowe and Partey came on to know how important the No. 10 is to the side.

Nicolas Pepe was lively on his last visit here but with Smith Rowe fit and healthy after falling ill it would be a surprise to see him not selected from the start.