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£32m man returns, 24-year-old still missing: Mikel Arteta’s predicted Arsenal XI vs Burnley

After a stress-relieving win against Sevilla, Mikel Arteta now has to refocus his Arsenal team for a visit from Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arsenal now sit fourth in the league after defeat to Newcastle United, but remain just three points behind Manchester City.

Arsenal FC v Sevilla FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

And with improved fixtures on the horizon, Arteta will now demand a run of wins from his Arsenal squad.

With that in mind, TBR are predicting that Mikel Arteta will make just one alteration from the side that comfortably dispatched Sevilla on Wednesday.

Arteta's predicted Arsenal XI to face Burnley.
Arteta’s predicted Arsenal XI to face Burnley.

There’s no change in net, David Raya now seems undisputed number one, and Arteta will keep faith even if he makes some errors whilst settling.

However, there is a change in the back four.

Whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu’s robust defending has been preferred in recent away trips, the defender came off with a slight issue against Sevilla.

It may well have been the case that £32m Oleksandr Zinchenko’s playmaking ability would have been preferred regardless, but there now seems no need to risk Tomiyasu.

Otherwise, the back four is unchanged, unless Arteta gives Jakub Kiwior a chance over Gabriel Magalhaes once again.

Arteta is only likely to make one Arsenal change against Burnley

Whilst Martin Odegaard may be in contention for the game, Arteta seems unlikely to change his midfield three.

Kai Havertz was so close to finding his breakthrough moment for Arsenal when playing on the right last night.

Arsenal FC v Sevilla FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

And his manager is unlikely to disrupt that momentum whilst taking a risk on Odegaard’s fitness.

Jorginho is likely to sit at the base of midfield again after a performance that stunned Rio Ferdinand on Wednesday.

And whilst Martin Keown has been surprised by Arteta’s decision to play Declan Rice as a number eight, it will probably continue.

Moreover, there also seems little need to make changes up top.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka were electric on the wings for Arsenal on Wednesday.

And given his performance through the middle, Leandro Trossard is likely to keep his place in Arteta’s Arsenal side to face Burnley.

Wednesday’s victory was very timely for The Gunners, and proved an important reminder of just how much talent this squad possesses.

And as well as another exciting attacking display, Arteta will be very keen for side to keep a rare clean sheet at the Emirates.

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