Arsenal
Arsenal vs. Burnley: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal travel to Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their four-point lead at the Premier League summit, but Mikel Arteta faces a genuine injury crisis with multiple first-team regulars sidelined for the trip to newly-promoted Burnley.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Burnley (5-3-2): Dubravka; Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Ugochukwu, Hartman; Cullen, Florentino, Larsen; Flemming, Foster
Arsenal’s Mounting Injury Crisis
Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace came at a devastating cost. William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out for the Burnley fixture, with Arteta confirming on Tuesday that both would miss the Brighton Carabao Cup tie (which they did) and remain doubtful for Turf Moor.
Saliba was withdrawn at halftime against Palace despite showing no obvious discomfort, with Arteta stating there were “two things related to his substitution.” The French defender will miss his first Premier League match this season, with Cristhian Mosquera expected to partner Gabriel in central defense.
Martinelli limped down the tunnel after full-time at the Emirates, with Arteta revealing: “He was a bit uncomfortable. He said he felt something. We don’t know whether it’s a muscular issue or not.” Tests confirmed he would miss Brighton, and his availability for Burnley remains uncertain.
The positive news is that Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, who also left the Palace match with knocks, have been cleared to feature. Rice was back in training by Tuesday despite struggling with a first-half knock, while Calafiori’s issue proved minor.
Captain Martin Odegaard (MCL knee injury) remains out until late November, targeting the Tottenham clash after the international break. Noni Madueke (knee) and Kai Havertz (knee surgery) are both expected back in late November, while Gabriel Jesus (ACL) won’t return until late 2025 at the earliest.
Burnley’s Injury Updates
Scott Parker welcomes back key midfielder Hjalmar Ekdal after suspension, with the Swede expected to slot into a back five at the expense of Lesley Ugochukwu, who suffered an injury against Wolves. Ekdal’s return strengthens Burnley’s defensive options as they prepare to face Arsenal’s attack.
Kyle Walker, the veteran defender who joined Burnley in the summer, will marshal the backline against his former club’s city rivals. The 35-year-old brings Premier League-winning experience to a Clarets side that’s exceeded expectations since promotion.
Zian Flemming and Lyle Foster both scored in Burnley’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory at Wolves, giving Parker a selection dilemma up front. Flemming’s brace showcased his goalscoring touch, while Foster’s 95th-minute winner on his comeback trail suggests he’s regaining match sharpness after injury struggles.
Burnley’s Resurgence
Burnley enter this fixture on the back of consecutive victories over Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, climbing to 16th in the table and opening up a five-point cushion above the relegation zone. Their first away win of the season at Molineux injected confidence into Parker’s squad ahead of Arsenal’s visit.
However, reality checks came against Manchester City (5-1 defeat) and Aston Villa (2-1 loss), highlighting the gulf between Burnley and the league’s elite. Arsenal sit four points clear at the summit with just three goals conceded in nine matches, presenting Burnley’s toughest test since promotion.
Head-to-Head History
Arsenal have dominated this fixture throughout the Premier League era, winning 18 of 22 meetings across all competitions. Burnley’s sole Premier League victory over Arsenal came in December 2020 when they shocked the Gunners 1-0 at the Emirates—their first and only league win against Arsenal since 1974.
Since that defeat five years ago, Arsenal are unbeaten in five consecutive meetings with Burnley, claiming three victories and two draws. Most recently, Arsenal demolished Burnley 5-0 at Turf Moor in February 2024, with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Viktor Gyokeres (for Sporting CP) all scoring. Arsenal have never lost a Premier League away fixture at Burnley.
Tactical Battle
Parker will likely deploy a defensive 5-3-2 formation, sitting deep and inviting Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach. Burnley’s pace on the counter through Jaidon Anthony and whoever starts up front presents their primary threat if Arsenal commit numbers forward carelessly.
Arsenal’s defensive record—conceding just three goals in nine Premier League matches—suggests Burnley will struggle to create clear opportunities. With Saliba absent, however, Parker may sense vulnerability if his forwards can expose Mosquera’s lack of Premier League experience alongside Gabriel.
Without Martinelli’s pace, Arsenal lose a key outlet for stretching defenses vertically. Leandro Trossard’s technical security offers different qualities, prioritizing retention over explosive runs in behind. Gyokeres faces Maxime Esteve, who proved effective in Burnley’s recent victories despite limited top-flight experience.
The Stakes
Arsenal’s eight-match winning streak across all competitions has positioned them as genuine title favorites, sitting four points clear of Liverpool and Manchester City. Dropping points at newly-promoted Burnley would invite unnecessary pressure from rivals who’ve stumbled recently.
For Burnley, three consecutive victories would represent their best run since returning to the Premier League and move them nine points clear of danger. An unlikely victory over league leaders Arsenal would serve notice that Parker’s side possess ambitions beyond mere survival.
Kick-off: 3:00 PM Saturday, November 1st, 2025
Venue: Turf Moor
Read More: Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Brighton: Nwaneri Delivers as Dowman Makes Historic Debut
Arsenal Dragon
Renee Slegers Confirms The Position Arsenal Women Are Looking To Sign a Player From in January Transfer Window
Renee Slegers has confirmed Arsenal will sign a goalkeeper in January after revealing Daphne van Domselaar will miss the remainder of 2025 with a quad tendon issue, leaving the club relying on debutant Anneke Borbe and teenager Amy Liddiard.
The Arsenal boss made the admission during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, where summer signing Borbe will make her full debut with 17-year-old Liddiard providing backup from the bench.
Van Domselaar requires an injection for her quad tendon problem and won’t return until the new year, compounding Arsenal’s goalkeeper crisis. Manuela Zinsberger is already out for the season after rupturing her ACL in October, one of 17 players across the WSL to suffer knee injuries during that month alone.
“We Need Three Goalkeepers Available”
Asked directly if Arsenal want to sign a goalkeeper in January, Slegers didn’t hesitate. “Yes, definitely, because Manu is out and Daphne has been managing issues, so we’re definitely looking,” she said.
“We’re definitely looking at that position because we think we need a really strong goalkeeper union with three goalkeepers available and we’re not in that situation at the moment so we’ll have to solve that for the second half of the season.”
Arsenal have also been linked with Swedish right-back Smilla Holmberg as they look to strengthen multiple positions during the winter window.
Chloe Kelly Adds to Injury Woes
The goalkeeper situation isn’t Arsenal’s only injury concern for Saturday’s noon kick-off. Chloe Kelly suffered a knee injury on England duty against Ghana on Tuesday and will miss the Liverpool match. Like van Domselaar, Kelly could be unavailable until the new year.
Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang (on loan at Brighton) have also suffered season-ending ACL injuries this campaign, highlighting the brutal injury toll Arsenal have endured.
Slegers Dismisses Dressing Room “Unrest” Reports
Slegers was also asked about The Athletic’s report claiming the dressing room has been “splintered for many years” with some players “wielding significant influence” and underlying tension between squad members.
The Arsenal boss firmly rejected the narrative. “We won the Champions League, historically we are the most successful club in England, there is noise on the outside, there will always be noise, but on the inside we know what we are doing,” she responded.
“I didn’t agree with it and I think it is unfortunate that this is what is written about us while we are doing so many good things and a lot of people invested in the process.”
Also read: Arsenal Women vs. Liverpool Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal face their toughest test of the season as they travel to Villa Park, where Aston Villa have been nearly impenetrable. The Gunners hold a six-point advantage over third-placed Villa, but their defensive injury crisis threatens to derail their title momentum.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Venue: Villa Park
Referee: Michael Oliver
TV: TNT Sports 1
Form Guide
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners in this exact fixture last season, with goals from Trossard and Thomas Partey settling matters at Villa Park. However, Villa dealt a seismic blow to Arsenal’s title bid with a 2-0 away victory in mid-April 2024, helping Manchester City to win the league. A 2-2 draw at the Emirates last January again stunted Arsenal’s championship pursuit.
Villa have been in exceptional form, winning seven of their last eight games across all competitions. They showed character in midweek to claim a 4-3 win over Brighton, despite trailing 2-0 after half an hour. Ollie Watkins enjoyed a welcome return to form, netting twice in the first half. At home, Villa have won five of their seven fixtures this season and are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League home games.
Arsenal maintained their five-point lead at the top with a 2-0 win over Brentford in midweek. Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions. However, the match came at a cost with injuries to Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera.
Team News
Arsenal’s defensive crisis has reached alarming levels. Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh problem while representing Brazil during the November international break and could be missing for up to two months. William Saliba has missed the last two matches after suffering a knock in training, though Arteta confirmed it should be “a matter of days” before his return.
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off before half-time against Brentford with an ankle injury and is set to miss 6 to 8 weeks of football. Declan Rice also limped off late on with a calf issue, though the midfielder told Sky Sports he is “fine” and expects to be available. Leandro Trossard could return from a muscle injury, with Arteta confirming he should be back within “a matter of days.” Kai Havertz remains weeks away from returning after knee surgery complications.
For Villa, Emiliano Martinez is a major doubt with a back injury that kept him out against Brighton. The Argentine was forced to withdraw from the lineup after experiencing pain during the warm-up. Ross Barkley is ruled out for 8-12 weeks with a knee injury suffered against Wolves. Tyrone Mings remains sidelined with a thigh injury and won’t be available until late December at the earliest.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Timber, Hincapié, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Read More: Arsenal Player Ratings vs Brentford: Gunners Restore Five-Point Lead With 2-0 Win
Arsenal Women look to bounce back from consecutive frustrating results when they host bottom-of-the-table Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have drawn their last two WSL matches and sit fourth, eight points behind leaders Manchester City, while the Reds remain winless with just two points from eight games.
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Football
Form Guide
Arsenal held Tottenham to a goalless north London derby at Brisbane Road on November 16, dominating possession but failing to convert 13 attempts into goals.
Three days later, they came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League at Meadow Park, with Alessia Russo scoring twice after Caroline Weir’s opener.
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Anfield before the international break, their second consecutive draw following a 1-1 stalemate with Brighton. The Reds sit bottom with two points and have lost all three away fixtures, scoring just once on the road this season.
Team News
Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly is a major doubt after lasting just 20 minutes of England’s 2-0 win over Ghana on Tuesday, clutching her knee following a blocked cross. Sarina Wiegman confirmed Kelly “felt something with her knee that didn’t feel right” but could walk off. Her availability for Saturday remains uncertain.
Captain Kim Little could return after missing international duty, though Lia Walti remains unavailable. Leah Williamson continues recovering from her Euro 2025 knee injury. Katie Reid (ACL), Lina Hurtig, Laura Wienroither and Manuela Zinsberger (ACL) are all long-term absentees.
Liverpool captain Grace Fisk is ruled out for 10 days after suffering a calf problem during England training. Risa Shimizu also remains sidelined. Sophie Roman Haug and Marie Hobinger are long-term casualties with ACL injuries suffered days apart in October.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Walti, Little; Foord, Maanum, Mead; Russo
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Laws; Parry, Clark, Matthews, Hinz; Holland, Nagano; Lundgaard, Daniels, Enderby; Olsson
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”