Who Should Start When Arsenal Take on Burnley?

After the drama Arsenal encountered against Stoke last week, Arsene Wenger and his men will be hoping for a quieter, less physical meeting. But it is unlikely they will get a low key physical match against a doughty Burnley outfit.

Arsenal cannot scarcely afford to drop points in their title chase, and although the Gunners can boast home ground advantage, it will still be a tough challenge for Arsenal.

Burnely are desperate to avoid the drop and will be eager to get in the faces of the talented Arsenal players. Brian Laws will be keen to enforce the message that Burnely can beat Arsenal by bullying them.

Arsenal will as usual have a host of injury issues but can still field a strong side. Who should be part of the starting XI?

Goalkeeper

After a relatively strong showing against Stoke, Manuel Almunia is certain to retain his spot whilst back up Lukasz Fabianski will remain on the bench.

Defenders

Arsenal will look to keep their strong defensive record intact. Bacary Sagna will be at right back, and Gael Clichy will take the left sided proceedings. William Gallas is still returning from a injury and is unsure whether he will be fit for the clash. If so, Sol Campbell will partner Thomas Vermaelen in the middle once again.

Midfielders

The Arsenal midfield could find themselves with a tough job breaking through the Burnley defence especially with Aaron Ramsey's horror injury and Abou Diaby still uncertain plus Alexandre Song facing a suspension. This should mean that Cesc Fabregas and Denilson will take the more attacking roles whilst talented youngster Craig Eastmond will take the defensive duties.

Forwards

Arsenal will still be without key forward Robin van Persie, but Nicklas Bendtner is in impressive form and will take the main striker role. Andrei Arshavin is still a little uncertain but may feature from the bench. Samir Nasri is likely to start on the left with either Emmanuel Eboue, Tomas Rosicky, or Theo Walcott taking the right.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Lukasz Fabianski will have the backup keeper role whilst Mikael Silvestre and Armand Traore will take the backup defender duties. Eduardo is looking fitter and will take a place then whoever isn't chosen Rosicky, Eboue, or Walcott. Andrei Arshavin too.