Nicolas Pepe to receive a start? – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Burnley

published

2/2/2020 12:35 PM

Arsenal Prediction: Probable XI to face Burnley

Arsenal will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to 2020 when they take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.

The Gunners have won three and drawn three of their six games since the turn of the year, although they have not picked up maximum points in a Premier League match since New Year’s Day. Mikel Arteta’s side remain 10th in the Premier League table with 10 points separating them from the Champions League places.

Burnley, meanwhile, have won their last two league games and will look to make it three in a row on Sunday.

Team News

Shkodran Mustafi will undergo a scan on the ankle injury he sustained during Monday night’s win over Bournemouth, it seems unlikely he will recover on time. Reiss Nelson and Sead Kolasinac are likely to return after the upcoming winter break.

Both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and David Luiz are available to return having now completed their respective bans. Arsenal’s new signing, Pablo Mari, will be in contention to face Burnley on Sunday.

Arsenal Prediction: Probable XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bernd Leno (GK)

Leno is Arsenal’s undisputed first-choice in goal and should start against Burnley.

Hector Bellerin (RB)

Bellerin has looked solid since returning from injury and he is expected to resume his duties at right-back on Sunday.

Arsenal defenders Sokratis (L) and Shkodran Mustafi (R) look on. (Getty Images)

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)

Sokratis has shown signs of improvement since Arteta took over at the club. However, he will have to cope well with the threat of Chris Woods.

David Luiz (CB)

Back from suspension, Luiz will walk straight back into the starting XI. He’ll partner Sokratis at the back.

Bukayo Saka (LB)

The young Saka has nailed down his position at left-back with a series of strong displays. He was excellent in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over Bournemouth and is a certainty to start at Turf Moor.

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Lucas Torreira (CM)

A strong tackler, Torreira will be tasked to break Burnley’s attacks and keep things simple. The Uruguayan should start in Arsenal’s midfield.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

Xhaka looks like a player reborn under Arteta’s management, with the Swiss controlling games and building a strong partnership with Torreira in midfield.

Nicolas Pepe (RW)

Pepe is slowly starting to show his real qualities for Arsenal. The Ivorian could cause problems to the Burnley backline with his movement and pace.

Mesut Ozil (CAM)

Ozil has shown flashes of him being back to his old self in recent weeks. The German has operated well without any defensive burden, providing the Gunners with fluidity in their attack.

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli (LW)

The youngster has performed extremely well in his debut season at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian is a certainty to start on the left flank.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang available again following three-game suspension, he should come straight back into the side.