Predicted XI: Burnley vs Arsenal
Arsenal travel to play Burnley this weekend as they look to continue their form. The North London club have rediscovered their form following their loss to Liverpool on the opening day and are now unbeaten in their last seven games. Mustafi has built a formidable partnership with Koscielny at the heart of Arsenal’s defence – something that has been vulnerable for some time – while Sanchez has finally found his form up front.
The Chilean international has been everywhere for the Gunners, scoring and even assisting the goals. Both the wingers, (Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott) have also contributed to Arsenal’s superb form. Iwobi is fast becoming an integral player in the squad, while Walcott seems to be in the form of his life.
With that said, let’s have a look at Arsenal’s possible XI for the game against Burnley.
GK: Petr Cech
Not really a surprise here. Cech is firmly entrenched as Arsenal first team starter for League matches and that’s not about to change.
RB: Hector Bellerin
Like Cech, Bellerin faces no real competition for his spot. The speedy Spaniard is getting better and better every game, look for him to take his usual space in the team on Sunday.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Now that he has a reliable partner in Shkodran Mustafi, Koscielny seems reborn. He’s playing at a very high level and seems to be forming a formidable relationship with Mustafi at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
The German international has been a revelation since joining from Arsenal. It seems Koscielny finally has an adequate partner and the two have quickly settled in at the back. Mustafi’s performance last week against Costa was superb, let’s hope he can continue that.
LB: Nacho Monreal
As per usual, the Spaniard retains his place in the team. Monreal has been solid so far this season and looks likely to keep his place against Burnley. He does his job quietly but consistently.
CDM: Granit Xhaka
With Coquelin out, new signing, Granit Xhaka should step in. In his brief cameos so far this season, Xhaka has been very impressive. His ability to pass from the back is unlike anyone in the Arsenal squad, while he also provides some physicality in the midfield.
CDM: Santi Cazorla
The Spanish magician should partner Xhaka in midfield. Although he’s not completely back to his best, he still has so much technical quality, too much to be left out.
RW: Theo Walcott
The England international has rediscovered his best form as of late. Walcott looks sharp and seems to have improved in front of goal. He is arguably playing some of the bets football of his career and it’s certainly helping Arsenal.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
The German number 10 is one of the best in his position. With Alexis Sanchez ahead of him, Ozil finally has some who makes runs and has the pace in behind for him to pass to. Look for his relationship with Sanchez to continue this week.
LW: Alex Iwobi
The Nigerian international is fast becoming an integral player for Arsenal. He has obvious pace, the technical ability and the intelligence to take up threatening positions. He has progressed rapidly and looks like a veteran. His ability to drift infield and provide Arsenal with another number 10 in combination with Ozil is invaluable.
ST: Alexis Sanchez
Although he was criticised heavily at the beginning of the season, Sanchez finally seems comfortable with his role. Against Chelsea and Basel, Sanchez was almost unplayable. He pressures the defence while also giving Arsenal an outlet up top. Hopefully, he can continue his form against Burnley.
