Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Burnley, the Gunners released their lineup and it was largely as expected, with one major omission.

As 101 reported earlier today, Takehiro Tomiyasu misses out with an injury that saw him withdraw from the Japanese national squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, something that Arsenal have since confirmed.

Aside from that, however, it is an unchanged side to that which struggled against Liverpool on Thursday, with Martin Odegaard once more operating in a deep lying role alongside Sambi Lokonga.

Both concerningly and excitingly, as many as five players on Arsenal’s 9 man bench are eligible to make their Premier League debuts this afternoon, with four in line for their first senior action should they be called upon against Sean Dyche’s side.

Arsenal need a win

Arsenal are in desperate need of their first win of 2022, having fallen as low as seventh in the Premier League despite not having played in the Premier League since New Years Day, when they fell to a stoppage-time 2-1 loss to Manchester City.

So tight is the race for the top four, however, that a win over Burnley combined with Tottenham dropping points to Chelsea later would take them back into 4th place, with a game in hand on Manchester United and two games in hand on West Ham.

With Burnley currently bottom of the league, there is no excuse for Arsenal not winning in front of an Emirates crowd and taking another step in the right direction for European football this season.

Read more:

Arsenal to offer key pair contracts at end of season

Arsenal vs Burnley betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions and odds