Arteta’s rotation policy paid off in midweek, as a heavily changed side overcame Brighton 2-0 in the Carabao Cup thanks to goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka. The win offered further proof of the squad’s depth and discipline, qualities that have become central to Arsenal’s push for consistency.
However, a trip to Turf Moor brings its own tests. Burnley, under Scott Parker, have been quietly impressive at home. They have lost only once at Turf Moor this season, and even that came from an injury-time penalty scored by Mohamed Salah. The Clarets are organised, ambitious and capable of unsettling teams who underestimate them.
Fatigue management will be crucial for Arsenal, who are playing their third match in six days. Arteta is expected to recall several first-team regulars including David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Saka, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres.
There are, however, some concerns. William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli both missed the midweek victory after sustaining knocks in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Their involvement remains uncertain. Should Saliba fail to recover, summer signing Cristhian Mosquera is expected to step in once again. Young Max Dowman, who made history with his appearance against Brighton, could be named among the substitutes.
Arteta will be without Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus, all of whom continue to recover from injury. Despite those absences, Arsenal’s strength in depth allows them to field a side capable of controlling possession and dictating tempo.
