The Emirates will play host to the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Burnley this evening, with the hosts missing some key players.
Gabriel Martinelli remains unavailable despite making his return to action on Tuesday for the Under-21 side, where he played an entire half, and he is believed to have recovered well after those minutes.
Thomas Partey also remains out after limping off against Tottenham, and he has no return date as of yet.
Nicolas Pepe is also out as he serves the third and final match of his ban, and could be in line to return against Southampton in midweek.
David Luiz could be in line to return after his clash of heads with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, but he will be assessed shortly before kick-off to determine his availability, as confirmed by Arsenal.com.
Predicted XI:
Leno
Bellerin Holding Gabriel Tierney
Ceballos Xhaka Saka
Willian Lacazette Aubameyang
This team should have more than enough in it to secure the win this evening, having improved our performance level of late, despite not fixing the results as of yet.
Joe Willock played 83 minutes against Dundalk in midweek, so I believe he will miss out on starting this evening, while both Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari both played the entire 90, and are also likely to miss out.
Folarin Balogun could find himself in the playing squad as he looks to make his Premier League debut, after impressing in the Europa League of late.
Has the youngster done enough to earn his shot in the first-team? Who do you think is missing from my predicted XI?
Patrick
I would to see saka up top with Auba and Willian behind maybe play a 4-3-1-2
Laca for me just doesn’t cut it in the middle .
I would play Cedric and Maitkand – Niles instead of Bellerin and Ceballos I would like to see Balogun and Smith-Rowe get a chance in the squad with run outs pending on how match is going too
Agree
Willian hasn’t cut it anywhere apart from Fulham
Put some of the youngsters in maybe 3 and give them a chance because if we lose which I dont think we will the pressure will really mount up on arteta. 4-0 for me
Won’t be surprised if it is a back 3 as well.
Leno
Holding Luiz Gabriel
Bellerin Elneny Xhaka Tierney
Willian Auba Saka
The squad needs some changes:xhaka out
Not a huge fan of the back three but I think you might be right. Players seem to know their roles better in this formation at the moment.
Regardless of formation, I’d really like to see Willian on the bench. There needs to be some accountability.
Bobby Reid!!!! 😝 I hope I’m this excited when we play later!! 🤞
Really Sue! I’m hoping Liverpool win to go above spurs.
There’s still time, Declan! Anyway the reason I’m excited is my prediction is still on 😉😂
Sod our predictions Sue, with our rivals (Fulham) winning against Liverpool and the stars aligning for spurs to win the league, we need to be strong and put our personal wants to one side for the greater good🙂
I was kinda joking about the predictions!! 😬 I’ve given up hope now, the best we can expect this season is to avoid relegation
I prefer this;
LENO
Bellerin pablo Gabriel tierney.
xhaka elneny saka.
nelson laca auba.
Realistic prediction but unless injured, I see him play Luiz.
All wrong and scary at midfield this would be again but he did it before.
I think he will play at least one defending minded midfield we have in Niles & element who should both start with Partey injury…
If that is the eventual team I’ll eat my season ticket.
Why play a back 3 in UEL? Maybe he wants to continue the rest of the season like that (if you are a team at 15th position start thinking like one). And the thing that worries much is if we revert to back 3 Partey is a long way out.
PLAY MILTAND NILES AMONG THE MIDDLE FOUR
Would really want to see AMN. Bellerin just does not cut it anymore.