Arsenal vs. Burnley: Arteta's Lineup Shuffle Amid Injury Updates

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Hang in the Balance

Manchester City’s 3–0 victory over Crystal Palace means that Arsenal cannot be crowned Premier League champions on Monday night against Burnley. However, a win for the Gunners would still leave them with just one more hurdle to overcome. If Bournemouth manages to secure points against Manchester City on Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta’s side will finally break the club’s 22-year drought for a league title before their final-day trip to Selhurst Park.

The recent controversial triumph at West Ham United was a significant moment, but Arsenal supporters, given their long wait to reclaim their position at the top of English football, are not counting their chickens just yet. They’ve been let down too many times before.

Can Arsenal avoid slipping up against a relegated Burnley?

Ben White Sidelined Indefinitely

The crucial victory over West Ham came at a cost, as Arsenal lost both starting full backs to injuries. Riccardo Calafiori continues to face fitness setbacks and was forced off last weekend with a knock. He is in contention for Burnley’s visit, but Arteta has Piero Hincapié as a backup.

Ben White’s knee injury is far more serious, with confirmation that his season is over. The Englishman will also miss the World Cup after working his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

Jurriën Timber is working hard to be fit for the Champions League final, but that’s not guaranteed. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino’s return from a foot injury is imminent. The Spaniard hasn’t played since the start of the year after undergoing surgery, but he could still have a role to play for the Gunners before the season ends.

Key absentees, doubts: * Mikel Merino * Jurriën Timber * Ben White * Riccardo Calafiori

Predicted Formation

4-2-3-1

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Burnley (4-2-3-1)

GK: David Raya
—Pablo’s absence meant Raya claimed a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove award. Two more clean sheets, and you’d like to think the Gunners will end the season as champions.

RB: Cristhian Mosquera
—Timber isn’t ready to replace White, so Arteta will turn to the sturdy and athletic Mosquera at right back. The summer arrival has had an excellent debut season in north London.

CB: William Saliba
—The Frenchman has unsurprisingly been included in France’s World Cup squad, and a glorious end to Arsenal’s season could be the start of an all-timer summer for the young defender.

CB: Gabriel
—Gabriel would’ve encountered more fearsome attacks in the Premier League this season, but Burnley striker Zian Flemming has gone under the radar. He’s notched double-digit goals for the relegated Clarets.

LB: Piero Hincapié
—Calafiori has been a nuisance for opposing defenses in recent weeks, but may not be fit enough to start on Monday night. In that case, Hincapié will get the nod.

CM: Declan Rice
—After contributing to his former club’s demise last weekend, Rice won’t feel so guilty if Arsenal trounce the visitors on Monday night.

CM: Myles Lewis-Skelly
—Lewis-Skelly has helped unlock an extra layer to this Arsenal team, with his bravery in possession and the angles at which he operates allowing the Gunners to function with greater fluidity with the ball. He should keep his place alongside Rice.

RW: Bukayo Saka
—After a quiet outing in east London, the Emirates Stadium will be expecting something special from their “star boy” on Monday night.

AM: Eberechi Eze
—Martin Ødegaard probed and created the winning moment last weekend, but Arteta will likely stick with the more instinctive Eze against a stubborn Burnley outfit.

LW: Leandro Trossard
—Arteta has leaned on the Belgian down the stretch, and Trossard has vindicated the manager’s faith. He’s produced two big moments against Atlético Madrid and West Ham.

ST: Viktor Gyökeres
—The Swede played as if he’d just slogged it out for 90 minutes against Atléti last weekend, and should be looking fresher on Monday night. Gyökeres opened the scoring in the reverse fixture and has generally enjoyed himself in these sorts of games.