Arsenal predicted lineup vs Burnley: Attacking 4-3-3 shape?

With just two full days to prepare after their exit from the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage on Thursday, Arsenal are back in action against Burnley on Sunday. Here is the predicted lineup.

It’s happened now. There is no going back.

As disappointing as it was to come to close to Wembley, before the season began if given the choice of securing a top four berth and no silverware was offered, everyone would have taken it. That’s all there is left to play for now after the 2-0 defeat.

Handed a kind fixture to put that loss behind them with the club bottom of the Premier League up next, who does Mikel Arteta have available to him?

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Burnley: Attacking 4-3-3 shape with a midfield of Sambi, Odegaard and Smith Rowe for Premier League clash?

Two players who certainly won’t be involved are the two first choice central midfielders. Thomas Partey’s miraculous return to the side turned out to be an unhappy homecoming as he received his marching orders, so he joins Granit Xhaka in the stands with the pair serving suspensions.

Understandably there is a great deal of focus on the transfer market. But for all the rumours and conjecture, nobody will be making their Arsenal debut on Sunday. Arteta will have to work with what he’s got.

As seen with the youthful bench against Liverpool, that’s not a great deal. Martin Odegaard played in central midfield and may be asked to play there again, while there was a clear lack of fitness and match sharpness for returning duo Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Three potential returnees are Bernd Leno, Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers, although they may not alter too much. And Aubameyang? Don’t hold your breath.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Nobody is immune from criticism, which is why it can’t be avoided that Ramsdale has been poor in his last two games. By far his worst outings for the club. Despite that, he’s still the best goalkeeper in the world. Obviously.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Brought in against Liverpool despite not having a single training session, Arteta praised Tomiyasu’s dedication and commitment to play. With the same injuries, he’ll be keeping his spot.

Benjamin White (CB) – A touch suspect defensively in the Liverpool defeat, it won’t stop him adding more minutes onto his season on Sunday.

Gabriel (CB) – It should be an easier afternoon than usual for Arsenal’s central defenders with Chris Wood no longer in Burnley’s ranks, but Gabriel will still be sure to have his hands full.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – By far Arsenal’s best defender in the defeat to Liverpool, Tierney is finding form at the right time and even donned the armband at the end on Thursday.

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