Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was injured during the match. Three ways Arsenal could line up against Burnley after Arteta Saka’s injury
Arsenal returned to winning ways on Wednesday night with back-to-back wins against Newcastle United and West Ham. The north London side beat Sevilla 2-0 in a dominant UEFA Champions League game, with Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka finding the net either side of half-time.
But it wasn’t all positive news for the Gunners on Wednesday, as Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu each grabbed a brace against the reigning Europa League champions. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed ahead of the match with Burnley that Saka is yet to return to training and will be assessed over the next 24 hours to see if he can be fit.
Arteta has a host of other injuries throughout his squad, with Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber all long-term absentees. Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odegaard are also fitness doubts ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Burnley.
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The Clarets have struggled since their promotion to the English Premier League last season and are currently in 19th place. Ahead of today’s match, football.london looked at three possible ways for the north Londoners to line up for the game at the Emirates Stadium. No changes XI
The Gunners didn’t create many open shots against Sevilla, managing just 1.61 xG (expected goals) on the night. However, they were incredibly strong in defense.
Tomiyasu is a more experienced defender who allows less space on the wing than his fellow defenders, although the Ukraine international has better passing skills. The midfield trio of Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice worked very well on Wednesday night.
Arsenal’s front three dominated physically while constantly moving the ball forward between the lines. In front of them would be the attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossardi and Saka, if of course the latter is suitable.
Trossard combined brilliantly with the two full-backs on Wednesday, opening the scoring on the night and constantly switching with Havertz.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomoyasu, Havertz, Jorginho, Rice, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Don’t risk potholes
Given Burnley’s struggles this term, Arteta may decide to err on the side of caution and rest the likes of Saka and Tomiyasu as their strikes become more important. Zinchenko’s technical safety makes him the last big replacement, while Reiss Nelson could have a chance to replace Saka. Nelson has been consistently good off the bench lately, taking advantage of small opportunities. The Hale End academy graduate had three goals and three assists in just 593 minutes last season.
It works with a direct goal bet every 99 minutes in all competitions.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Havertz, Jorginho, Rice, Nelson, Trossard, Martinelli.
More attacking spirit
Arsenal might decide to really go for it today in the hope of goal difference. Of course, this is a riskier strategy, but the level of Burnley means that it may not be necessary to play both Rice and Jorginho in the middle of the field.
Arsenal v Sevilla highlights – Why Saka was dropped after a goal as Trossard put Gunners in control
The latter could be replaced by talented playmaker Fabio Vieira, who was very impressive when given a chance at the start of the season. The Portugal Under-21 international has amassed 0.47 xA (expected assists) per 90 minutes this campaign, which according to Understat is by far the best among Arsenal players who have played more than 50 minutes.
Havertz would join Vieira and Rice in the middle of the park, meaning Arsenal’s club-record signing will be given more defensive responsibility when the other two lean forward. Again, Trossardi would be widely used as a false nine by Saka and Martinelli. Possible Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Havertz, Rice, Vieira, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.