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Home   >   Opinions   >   [Image] Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 to face Burnley: 2 new signings to start, no Xhaka or Ozil

[Image] Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 to face Burnley: 2 new signings to start, no Xhaka or Ozil

By on August 15, 2019

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Arsenal take on Burnley at the Emirates Stadium in our first home game of the new season on Saturday afternoon. This is the line-up I’d like Unai Emery to select…

Goalkeeper: Leno

Leno is our established number one and I’m expecting big things from him this season. Martinez will be his back-up on the bench.

Defence: Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Monreal

Chambers put in another solid display against Newcastle last weekend and I get that many feel he deserves to keep his place. However, we’ve signed Luiz to be a starter so why delay the inevitable? The Brazilian didn’t leave Chelsea to sit on the Arsenal bench and he’s had enough time in training to learn our system, so it’s time to start him.

If anything, there is a case for Chambers to replace Sokratis but I’d still stick with the Greek international for now. Holding with be another option when he’s fully fit but he’s still working his way back to match fitness.

Kolasinac is back in training after missing the Newcastle game due to a fresh security incident last week. Emery says he’ll make a late decision but I’d give Monreal another start and assess things after the weekend.

Obviously Bellerin is still unavailable as he’s continuing his rehab from a knee ligament injury so Maitland-Niles will remain at right-back. I thought he did very well against Newcastle so let’s hope he keeps up that form on Saturday.

Midfield: Torreira, Guendouzi, Ceballos

Xhaka is a doubt as he didn’t take part in full training today due to a bruised back and I wouldn’t rush him back. In fact, I’d take this opportunity to leave him out and try Torreira alongside Guendouzi – who was excellent against Newcastle.

Willock showed some promising moments at St James’ Park too but I really want to see Ceballos given a start. I really think he can have a big impact this season and Burnley at home is a good game for him to showcase his talents.

Attack: Nelson, Lacazette, Aubameyang

Lacazette didn’t feature against Newcastle due to a minor ankle issue but he should be fully fit now and I’d give him an immediate recall. We really miss him when he doesn’t play so let’s hope Emery brings him straight back in to the side.

Aubameyang scored another wonderful goal last weekend and obviously he should keep his place. It will be interesting to see how Emery shapes his attack this season but it looks as though Auba could spend some time on the wing.

Ozil is back in training after missing the Newcastle game but Emery says he’s been ill this week and I think we have enough options in attack not to rush Mesut back so I’d put him on the bench.

Pepe made a cameo appearance during the second half against Newcastle and expectations are high for our record signing but I hope he’s given time to adjust to life in the Premier League. We don’t want to thrust him into action too soon and kill his confidence so I’d give him another sub role this weekend.

Nelson is a real talent and he’s more than capable of doing a job against Burnley so I’d start him and bring on Pepe in the second half. Mkhitaryan was disappointing against Newcastle so I expect him to make way for Lacazette this weekend.

This is the starting eleven I hope we’ll see:

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