3 Arsenal players that deserve to start against Burnley

Following the Premier League defeat to Chelsea last weekend, Arsenal turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend as the Emirates Stadium hosts Championship outfit Burnley.

The Gunners are seeking to land the FA Cup for the third-consecutive season and will be expected to ease their way past lower-ranked opposition this weekend, with changes across the board likely to be made to the starting line-up.

Arsenal’s strength in depth allows players to be rested for this game, whilst it’s also a chance for some players on the fringes to come in and make an impression. It’s an important test for Arsenal, who need to ensure that the squad remains highly-competitive for the back-end of the season.

So, we’ve taken a look at three players we believe deserve to start against Burnley this weekend and they could grab this opportunity by both horns. We also want to know who you’d like to see feature, so let us know in the comments below!

Hit the image below to see THREE players who deserve their chance to star this weekend!

Mohamed Elneny

The Egyptian international signed earlier this month but is yet to make his debut, which isn’t that surprising considering the two games since his arrival have been a tough physical test against Stoke City and a crucial clash with Chelsea.

Against Burnley in the FA Cup though, this is the ideal opportunity for Elneny to make his debut for Arsenal and he will represent the 51st country in the boast a player for the Gunners. His experience will be crucial and should help him to settle quickly.

A midfield-role in front of the back-four would be ideal for Elneny who, despite claims that state otherwise, is better as a box-to-box midfielder rather than a defensive one. With the right partner this weekend, he could be a potential match-winner.

Alex Iwobi

Nigerian international Alex Iwobi rose to form in pre-season and has impressed in his opportunities since. He’s made seven appearances for Arsenal this season but not many have been from a starting spot, though the match against Burnley gives him a good opportunity to display his talent.

Iwobi was previously linked with a loan move away this month but he’s showed his usefulness amongst the first-team and he will be a crucial asset in the coming months, where Arsenal intend to balance competitiveness in their three remaining tournaments.

Theo Walcott

This may seem a bit strange given that Theo Walcott has been a regular starter since his injury return but it’s time for him to have a chance leading the attack once again. Since being injured in the first-half of the campaign, Walcott hasn’t been utilised as a striker.

Arsenal need to ensure that they have a capable understudy to Olivier Giroud, who’s been fantastic this season, and Walcott will be that man- particularly as Danny Welbeck is yet to make his long-awaited return from injury.

Rather than throwing Walcott in at the deep end for an important game, starting against Burnley will give him the opportunity to find his feet in a central role once again and hopefully regain the form he showed early on in the season.

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