- This Saturday, Arsenal will face Burnley.
- Arsenal are looking to improve on the 2-0 win over Sevilla they achieved in Europe
- Mikel Arteta is concerned about several injuries, including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard
Mikel Arteta said, “It’s embarrassing, an absolute shame, and that’s exactly what it is. A disgrace,” after the VAR controversy caused his Arsenal team to suffer their first loss of the league season, against Newcastle United.
After the Gunners’ defeat by 1-0 at St James’ Park, the Spaniard launched into an astonishing tirade after the final whistle in Tyneside.
Arteta must keep his cool when Burnley hosts them in the Premier League at this weekend. VAR will hopefully be a minor factor in that match. Arsenal will welcome struggling Clarets, who were recently promoted to Premier League status. They hope to rebound from their two consecutive domestic losses.
Arteta is facing a number of selection problems and injuries ahead Burnley visit.
This is how Arsenal might line up to face Burnley in Saturday’s Premier League match.
Arsenal’s predicted lineup against Burnley (4-3-3).
Arteta has several fitness conerns / Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
David Raya – Arteta still has faith in Raya despite some recent shaky performances. Since joining the first team, David Raya has played in almost all of Brentford’s games. Aaron Ramsdale will not be able to replace him at this weekend.
Ben White is a constant right-back for Arsenal. White’s presence has made him largely unreplaceable this season.
William Saliba – Another largely positive performance against Sevilla Wednesday night, as he develops into one of world’s best centre backs. Arteta has another irreplaceable asset.
Gabriel– Lyle Foster is not available for this trip, so Gabriel will likely have an afternoon of routine on Saturday. Brazilian will not be overly busy.
Oleksandr Ziinchenko_ Came on against Sevilla at the half time break after being initially rested. It is expected that the Ukrainian will play almost exclusively as a central midfielder in the match against Burnley. However, he must be aware of the speed of the visitors’ wingers.
Martin Odegaard Potentially set to make a return after several matches, as Arsenal misses his creativeness in the central area. The Norwegian is likely to have an exciting game against Burnley.
Declan Rice: A central midfielder with a strong influence in the centre of the field, Rice could also play a more active role in helping to create favourable conditions for attacking-minded teammates in the middle.
Kai Havertz The verdict is out for Havertz, but there were encouraging signs in the midweek match against Sevilla. Arteta and the German are still trying to figure out how to best use him.
Bukayo Saka Arteta hopes to have the important winger available for Burnley’s match after he sustained a minor injury against Sevilla. Saka scored and assisted against Sevilla in the La Liga and will look to increase his total at the weekend.
Eddie Nketiah – Eddie Nketiah could repeat his three-goal performance against Sheffield United, two weeks earlier. There are slight doubts about the fitness of Eddie Nketiah, so Leandro Trousseau, who scored in midweek, could be kept on.
Gabriel Martinelli Despite his lack of assists and goals in the last few weeks, Gabriel Martinelli has been on a blistering form. His pace and quick feet have terrorized full-backs.
