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Here is my Arsenal XI to take on a physical Burnley side – What’s yours?

Predicted lineup for Arsenal against Burnley

After a torrid start to the season, Arsenal finally won a game against Norwich City, which eased some pressure on our manager Mikel Arteta.

The scars of the awful run of November and December last year is still fresh among many supporters. And that was clearly evident after the Gunners’ embarrassing defeat to Manchester City.

Many believed it was the “rock bottom” the team had hit and Arteta needed to be shown the door while others were more sympathetic, as Arsenal played arguably two of the best sides of Europe in their opening three games.

Arteta claimed that he sees “bright lights” ahead; But Arsenal fans will only see it if he wins games at a more regular and consistent rate.

Now wins need to come in bunches rather than in ones and twos if Arteta wants to keep the scrutiny at bay. The London club’s match against Burnley is yet another test for the current Arsenal boss to prove he is part of the solution rather than the problem at the red half of North London.

The next question is, which men will Arteta choose for the (physical) battle at Turf Moor?

I expect Aaron Ramsdale to keep his place between the posts. The young Englishman has qualities which Bernd Leno doesn’t possess, and it was evident in the match against Norwich.

Speaking after the win against the Canaries, Arteta said of Ramsdale, “It is not only what he did on the technical side, it is what he transmits, his energy, his chemistry with the backline, how he reacts, his body language. I think it was top.”

Although Leno is still better with his hands, coming out of the line and communicating with the defenders is not one of the fortes of the German. And that’s why I believe Ramsdale will continue to be a more regular presence than most expected him to be initially.

One of the many positives from the last weekend win was the back four. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel and Kieran Tierney all gelled well together, helping the team in being solid at the back and more dynamic at the front.

They all will be expected to start.

Arteta’s decision to play Tomiyasu, after he had only two training sessions under his belt, shows the faith the Spaniard has in the Japanese international. But it also shows how he rates the other options available there.

Even though a small sample size, Tomiyasu has had a good start to his Arsenal career…

In the midfield, the majority of Arsenal supporters were surprised to see Thomas Partey on the bench for the game against Daniel Farke’s men. But given that he had just trained a week, slowly integrating him was a rational decision.

Although Maitland Niles had a few good moments, he still has many weaknesses in his game at central midfield. With Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka out, Albert Sambi Lokonga is the best option to go with Partey.

The front three behind the striker is where we can expect some surprises. Whether it will be Nicolas Pepe or Bukayo Saka on the right? Emile Smith Rowe or Martin Odegaard at the center? Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli on the left?

This is the headache that Arteta will embrace with open arms. The options that he has at his disposal gives him the tools to hurt the Burnley back four in different ways.

But I personally think Arteta will go with Smith Rowe on the left, Odegaard at the center and Saka on the right. Those three are dynamic and creative enough to give Sean Dyche countless problems.

And with Pierre Emerick Aubameyang scoring his first goal in the Premier League last week, benching him will make little sense. Lacazette might have to wait for a substitute appearance at Turf Moor or a start against AFC Wimbledon in the midweek to make his first appearance of the season.

Here is my choices to line-up against Burnley…

Ramsdale
Tomiyasu White Gabriel Tierney
Partey Lokonga
Saka Odegaard Smith Rowe
Aubameyang

Which Arsenal line-up would you choose for this game?

Yash Bisht

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Tags Burnley v Arsenal

55 Comments

    1. This line up would have destroyed our first three opponents, but every cloud has a silver lining, by going rock bottom we have realised the “stars” (Leno, Xhaka, Holding, etc) that started those fateful games are utter rubbish and should never have been in the EPL. Had they been dropped some of the fans would have turned on Mikel.

      1. Not sure we’d have destroyed Chelsea or City but it would definitely have been a fairer display. They’re arguably the two best clubs in Europe at present.
        Shame Holding is still getting stick, he does a decent job, admittedly not a world class CB but he gives his all and his statistics are almost always impressive. Had he not played against City we could have lost by twice as much.
        And whilst I think it’s time for Leno to find a new challenge saying he isn’t of PL quality is really unnecessary, he’s proven a damn good ‘keeper but he just doesn’t have the strength in character to really give us what we need any more.
        Xhaka however has certainly proved to be too costly though.

        1. There are better goalkeepers than Leno in world football but he remains a good goalkeeper in my view. Whilst there are aspects of his game that can be improved he is not “rubbish”.
          That Holding and Xhaka however are considered amongst our better players is more of an issue. As long as this remains the case I cannot see Arsenal competing effectively for the premiership. When we are able to upgrade the likes of these two then I will know that Arsenal are back amongst the “big boys”. Until then Arsenal will likely remain outsiders for the top four.

  2. I’d start with the same three attackers who won us two games behind Lacazette and Tavares on the left, although I know Arteta will start with Aubameyang and Tierney:

    ……………………… Ramsdale
    Tomiyasu . White . Magalhaes . Tavares
    ……………. Partey …………. Niles
    Pepe ………….. Odegaard …………. Saka
    ……………………… Lacazette

    1. I like this line-up…i’ve always said i think AMN and Partey would actually make a good partnership.

      Both athletic, fit and can both push forward or sit in if needed.

        1. Lol AMN is nowhere near Kante, especially in this Arteta team. Though to be fair, most of our players played worse ever since Arteta is in charge. The only player that seem to play better is Tierney (and Saka if you want to count him in too)..

    3. I agree with this line up.👌
      But unfortunately there is no place to fix ESR because he has energy. May be at some point he can come in. AMN has better energy than Lokonga. But Incase Arteta adapt a 3-4-2-1 formation then Auba would be better than Lacazette because of counter attack

      1. Yes. I agree with Aubameyang as the CF, if we use a counter-attacking tactic

        Lacazette worked very well with Smith-Rowe. So if Lacazette starts in the front line, Smith-Rowe had better play as well

      2. So all of you think OD is better than ESR? OD slows down by turning and turning before delivering a pass. ESR all the way.
        See how the impact ESR had when he came on in the Norwich game.

        We also need goals from Pepe. He’s the only scorer after AUB.

        Laca don’t score enough. For a so-called striker bought for 52m and get paid 182k a week, 65 goals in four years is not good. His contract should not be renewed

    4. Not far off but I think Pepe is a bigger goal threat at the moment so needs a start.

      I so want to see Arteta converting Odegaard into a cazorla rather than an a ozil. I would love to see him as our Captain in a deep lying playmaker role, with either lokonga or Partey adapting to a more holding role alongside him.

      This would allow ESR, Saka , Pepe and Martinelli to compete for the 3 behind Auba.
      However, Auba is now 32 a decent offer in the summer should surely be considered, just as I would consider offers for any of our 5 out of contract players in January.

      Chambers, Kolasinac, Elneny, Lacazette, Nketiah. This bunch are obviously not staying, unless Edu knows different? We should look to grab whatever we can in January if we are not extending their contracts.

      1. Yes, I bet we’ll take any decent offer for Aubameyang next summer

        About the ones with expiring contracts, I don’t think we can get anything from them in January

      2. I agree with your suggestion regarding the role for OD

        Yes all out of contract players need to leave except Chambers. Chambers should be extended and Cedric and Mari sold.

        Cedric and Mari are not EPL and Top 4 quality. Don’t know why Arteta bought them except by Kia Joorabchan corrupt influence on Edu.

    5. Agree with GAI for the starters, except I would go for Leno over Ramsdale, and maybe try ESR in deeper role replacing AMN.

  4. Can’t argue with the XI chosen. Partey potentially not fit so likely AMN starts again with Partey comin on second half.

    Rather ease Partey back, think he is integral to this team and last thing we need is another lengthy injury delay like last season.

  5. I think we’ll win again but….

    What I’m looking for more than 3 points is an actual good performance where the players look like they are playing to a proper system. I’d rather see that and lose than get a win with a poor performance.

    Lucky wins we can’t build upon, a proper strategic performance we can.

  6. Ramsdale,
    Tomi,White,Gabriel, Tierney
    Partey, Lokonga,
    ESR, Odegaard,Saka,
    Lacazette..

    Laca is superior to Auba in terms of linking up with ESR and Odegaard to find channels to exploit the Burnley back four.High balls are meat and drink for their centre backs so crosses from Tomi and Tierney will have to be hit low and hard.No doubt Arteta will start with Auba with Lacca on the bench.

    1. Laca can’t score. Don’t deserve the amount of money we paid for him 52m and weekly wages of 182k for a poor striker.

      Pepe is a better goal threat

      1. Laca is the best finisher in the team. If not for the competition with Auba, he could have scored 30+ goals a season. Honestly feels we should have used him more in his final season, especially since now auba is in a dry spell..

        Our striking department is not lacking this season with Laca around. If we are in good position in the league by december, we should keep him to ensure we can finish top 4-5. Though, if arteta really sucks and we are at 7th or worse by dec, just sell laca in Jan since there is nothing to fight for anyway. One thing for sure, a 50M+ centre forward should be the main transfer target next season.

  7. Yep probably the right line up in the circumstances, although Aubameyang is not exactly at his peak. My worry is Odegaard, will he spray the ball around a bit rather then just relying on itzy bitzy little passes. We need defence splitters. We need 90 min of intensity and pace and we should win. If we play the slow sideways Arteta-ball we will have lots of possession with little outcome and will suffer. If we lose then that’s it. Game over for Arteta.

  8. ,……………………..Ramsdale…….
    .Tomi……..White……Gabriel…… Tierney
    ……………Lokonga…………..Partey……………..
    Pepe………..Odegaard……….Smith Rowe
    ………………..Alex Lacazette…….
    Pepe with his current form shouldn’t be benched 4 anyone. Auba’s a waste & should be benched.

    2. Drop Laca and bring in AUD
      Laca takes so much that he doesn’t deserve
      Laca is a poor goal scorer
      Can’t drop Saka
      Will rather drop OD for this game

  11. If you watched the Burnley vs Everton match, the turfs were very physical,
    We would need lots of strength and low crosses,
    Aubameyang and Odegaard may not be suitable against Burnley,
    I’m also scared, as Smith-Rowe is fragile,

    I believe Arsenal will win convincingly..

    Ramsdale…….
    .Tomi……..White……Gabriel…… Tavares
    ……………Lokonga…………..Partey……………..
    Saka………..Pepe……….Smith Rowe
    ………………..Alex Lacazette…….

      1. Auba is in bad form. 1 tap in against norwich and goals against WBA kids is not enough to show our old Auba is back. If we want to grind for result, imo Laca is a better bet. A draw or lose here would be real disaster and cause further instability to the already unrest fans..

  12. I’m a big fan of ESR however my little concern is seeing him playing out wide at the detriment of a natural wide player, Pepe, whom his direct play and pace are what we need from wide. While it is imperative that ESR gets minutes to help continue his development, should we be starting matches with two number 10s? Whilst I share your opinion regarding our starting lineup, I would drop one of ESR and Odegaard and start Pepe instead.

  14. ……………………….Ramsdale
    Tomiyasu White Gabriel Tierney
    ……………………AMN Lokonga
    …..Pepe Odegaard Aubameyang
    ………………………Lacazette

  16. My starting lineup:
    Ramsdale
    Tomi White Gabriel Tierney
    Partey Lokonga
    Pepe ESR Saka
    Laca

    Odegarde does not provide any defense splitting passes. He only provides short passes. That is not progressive. ESR can create for himself as well as for others. ESR and Odegarde should not be played together. The only plus for Odegarde is his defensive work rate, which ESR is lacking.

  17. Lacazette should start, he’s less flaky than Auba & stays in the shape they want better. Also, perhaps sitting on the bench for a couple of matches wake Auba up… Will be happy to see the new lads Tomi & Ramsdale playing again!😹

    1. Whichever team we put out there is no physical presence burnley will be right in our faces it will be men against boys
      Burnley are fighter’s we are snow flakes
      If we are to have any chance of winning this game we must win the physical battle and i don’t see that happening.

  18. Ramsdale
    Tomi White Gabriel Teirney
    Partey Lokonga
    Saka SmithRowe Pepe
    Auba

    Laca can come on if we need a goal, same with Ødegaard if one of the attackers is having an off day or exhausted. Taveres to shore up the back maybe late into 2nd half.

    Subs can win you games or see them out if done properly.

  19. Yash Bisht, why have you dropped Pepe from your Arsenal starting XI lineup for Burnley? Who played a leading role in our single match winning goal scored by Aubameyang with his assist that came off the woodwork.

    1. Ithink the attack is more dynamic with those 3. But if things don’t work then I would like Arteta to make a change around thw 60th minute mark.

  20. What about bac line of

    —— Ramsdale
    White – Tomi – Gabriel – Tavares

    Tomi is better in air so he could offer height in central defense as Burnley plays with 2 tall forwards. Tomi is no stranger to CB nor is White stranger to playing RB

  21. I always think differently
    Rams
    Tomi. Holding. Gaby. Tierney
    White. Party
    Saka. ESR. Auba
    Lava

    With the players we have this is our best 11 on merit
    That’s my opinion though.

  23. Which group will £25m Willock fit into?
    Iwobi, Chamberlain Walcott sold for £92m?
    Now worth buttons

    Or

    Gnabry, Malen, Bennacer sold for £7.5m?
    Now worth £120m at least

  25. ——————Ramsdale—————-
    White–Tomiyasu–Gabriel–Tavares–
    ———-Partey——Lokonga———–
    —-Ødegaard——ESR——–Pepe———————–Lacazette—————-

  26. ………………..Ramsdale…….
    White….. Tomiyasu… Gab….. Tavares

    Odegaard…Partey…. Sambi……….ESR

    ………………….Auba……….Laca………………..

    Or

    …….. Tomiyasu….White…. Gabriel………..

    AMN…….. Partey……Sambi……….Tavares

    …………SAKA…….Laca……. Pepe…………

  27. Agree with your pick but disagree with you on some points, I still don’t see MA’s impression on the team, one win with a “lucky” goal is not enough, we are the ARSENAL, even at our worst we never lost this bad with bad performance, 80% of that is on MA!

    Let’s hope he learned from his mistakes, no more points to be thrown away!

    1. PW
      Absolutely correct onwe are “The Araenal”
      Not correct on at out worst we never lost this bad
      We have had a soft under belly.for years
      We went to some places and just rolled over
      Stoke being a one who always tortured us
      We go to Pool and more often than not we’re come away with squat.
      We can’t change the ingained culture and mentality over night
      Is MA the man to do it
      Not sure bit like I said to Highbury hero and Dan kit
      10 games is the bench mark to see where we are. How far we have travelled or declined
      Love the sight that Ramsdale has been picked as our no.1 by most fans here👌
      After that the team picking it self apart from one or 2 position which is understandable.
      First time In ages I see us all agreeimg on the same line up.
      Nice

      Onwards and upwards

  28. I hope the Burnley players will not bully Pepe and Saka to submission if they start. The both of them are too left footed and are mostly ineffective with their right legs. The Burnley players may not give them time to settle on the ball. That is why I would want Arteta to play a more direct football using our available strikers. Imagine Lokonga, Partey and Lacazette that can drop deep in midfield. With the 3 of them given the energy and grit they possess, that midfield would be very strong first and foremost and secondly, Lacazette will also play the link up role with the other 3 strikers upfront and we can also see his trademark long range shots at goal from outside the 18 yard box, while Martinelli can be given the licence to roam and play the free role. All 4 players are goal scorers and can use both feet to shoot. In this scenario, anybody can score rather than relying solely on Aubamayang to do the scoring. Pepe and Saka can come in the 2nd half when the Burnley players are beginning to tire. My 2 cents.
    4-2-1-3 Formation
    ———————-Ramsdale——————–
    Tomiyasu—White——Gabriel——Tavares
    ————-Lokonga——-Partey———–
    ——————–Lacazette——————
    Martinelli——Aubamayang——-Nketiah.

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