After a thumping 6-0 win against local rivals West Ham United, Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to Turf Moor to take on relegation favourites Burnley as they aim to maintain their strong start to 2024. Last Word on Football brings you an Arsenal predicted lineup for this Premier League encounter.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Burnley
Trip to Turf Moor 👊 pic.twitter.com/Hdym1xX168
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 16, 2024
How Arsenal Have Lined up Recently
Brentford loanee David Raya has remained Arteta’s preferred choice in goal. The defensive line has seen minimal to no changes except for the left-back spot for most of the season. Ben White, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes have continued their defensive partnership this season building on their chemistry from last year.
Jakub Kiwior started against the Hammers thanks to injuries to Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu and is expected to keep his spot for this game against the Clarets.
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Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard have been the preferred midfield trio for the North London side. Arteta has opted to play Jorginho in place of Havertz for crucial games against Manchester City and Liverpool, however, the German midfielder has seen the most starts from this position.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have been the ever-present attacking force for the Gunners. Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah have also seen some sporadic starts up front. With Gabriel Jesus out with injury, the Belgian forward is expected to get the nod ahead of his English counterpart.
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Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
The North Londoners have stuck to the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation this year. While in possession it is common for the left-back, be it Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, or Kiwior, to invert into a midfield role alongside Rice, providing a strong base for Odegaard and Havertz to press high up the pitch along with the forwards.
Trossard plays as a false nine allowing the wingers and wide players to cut in and benefit through his link-up play with the midfielders. The ability of both center backs, Saliba and Gabriel, to play long balls to the forward line adds another element of threat to the Arsenal attack.
When out of possession the team reverts to a 4-5-1 system, crowding the midfield and pressing to win the ball back as quickly as possible.
Arsenal have had a great start to the new year having won all four of their Premier League matches, most notably against the Reds at the Emirates Stadium. However, they are knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. With some players returning from injury and international duty, the Gunners are expected to make a strong push for the title this season.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Zinchenko picked up a knock at halftime in the match against Liverpool and is expected to miss the Burnley tie. Gabriel Jesus remains out with a knee problem. Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe have picked up minor injuries and are doubts for the game
Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, and Fabio Vieira remain long-term absentees and will miss the clash against Vincent Kompany’s side. However, Arteta expressed optimism in a recent press conference that all three could be back training with the team soon.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
GK – David Raya
RB – Ben White
CB – William Saliba
CB – Gabriel Magalhaes
LB – Jakub Kiwior
CDM – Declan Rice
CM – Kai Havertz
CM – Martin Odegaard
RW – Bukayo Saka
ST – Leandro Trossard
LW – Gabriel Martinelli
