Arsenal take on Burnley at the Emirates on Sunday with a mindset to take all 3 points from Sean Dyche’s men to capitalize on rivals slip up from Saturday’s games and move up the table to second place.
To assume that this will be an easy task will be folly. However, the North London club are more than capable of achieving this feat if they play with hunger and passion.
With the likes of Liverpool shockingly losing at Anfield to Swansea 2-3, and City and Spurs drawing, 2nd place on the table is up for grabs provided we do the needful.
Manchester United drew away at The Bet365 stadium against Stoke City 1-1 with a last minute strike in extra time by Wayne Rooney thereby creating the possibility for further gap to the Red Devils`.
Man City played out a 2-2 draw with Tottenham at the Etihad to close a round of Saturday fixtures that has set the stage for The North London club to climb up closer to Chelsea at the top of the table.
In a nutshell, all the incentives required to be at our very best today have been laid bare at our feet.
As an ambitious side seeking to bring the title back to the Emirates after 13 long years, it is imperative we get every available point especially in games like tomorrow’s meeting.
That said, let’s take a look at the best possible lineup tomorrow to earnestly secure all 3 points against Burnley.
In goal, I’d expect Petr Cech to retain his place as he has done throughout the season plus he managed to keep another clean sheet in our last match against Swansea despite scoring 4 goals.
The back four should stay intact with Bellerin at right back, Mustafi RCB, Koscienly LCB, and Monreal at left back.
With the return of Coquelin to full training and fitness, his combination with Xhaka in the middle of the park will be most effective and efficient.
I’d expect Iwobi to play in the no 10 pivot instead of Özil as this is a game that requires a lot of closing down whenever Burnley try to break on the counter. Let’s just say that isn’t part of Özil’s skill set.
On the Right wing, Oxlade-Chamberlain should be manning that spot in the absence of Theo Walcott whilst Lucas Perez should be starting on the Left.
Alexis Sanchez should lead the line as he has enjoyed loads of success there this season and he also has a penchant for scoring against Burnley.
Arsenal Predicted Line-up: (GK)Cech, (RB)Bellerin, (RCB)Mustafi, (LCB)Koscielny, (LB)Monreal, (DM)Coquelin, (CM)Xhaka, (CAM)Iwobi, (RW)Chamberlain, (LW)Perez, (CF)Sanchez
Prediction: 3-0 to the Arsenal. …Alexis to score first.
Formation: 4-2-3-1, MatchDay: Sunday Jan 22nd 2017, Time : 15:15 GMT + 1
