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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

The 53 changes Unai Emery could soon make at Arsenal following Alexandre Lacazette injury blow

Arsenal are back in action on Sunday.

The Gunners have made a solid start to the campaign with two wins and a draw from their opening four games which has left them fifth in the Premier League and behind fourth-place Crystal Palace on goal difference.

However, question marks remain over their defence.

There are seven games between now and the next international break, all of which takes place over a three-week period and the Gunners' top-four credentials will surely be tested.

So what are the changes over the next seven games that Emery could make?

Football.london takes a look.

Sept 15: Watford

It all begins when Premier League action returns to our screens this weekend and Arsenal face a tricky test against a Watford side who have replaced Javi Gracia with Quique Sánchez Flores during the international break.

Gunners fans will probably demand at least one change from the side which drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur last time out, but don't be surprised if Emery sticks to his guns.

Granit Xhaka will probably start against the Hornets as long as he passes a fitness test following an injury scare whilst on international duty with Switzerland.

Lucas Torreira also picked up a knock and he could make way for Dani Ceballos in central midfield in what would be one of two change from the team which started the north London derby as the injured Alexandre Lacazette misses out.

Changes: 2

Premier League 2019/20 September fixtures

Sept 19: Frankfurt

Arsenal's 2019/2020 Europa League campaign begins with arguably their toughest game of group phase and it will be interesting to see how Emery juggles his squad as the likes of Calum Chambers, Mesut Ozil and Gabriel Martinelli will be looking for starts.

Given that the Gunners won't be expected to stroll past the Bundesliga outfit, it's possible Emery rotates with six changes but with a strong team as he looks to get off to a great start in the competition.

This is also where Holding could make his return to action. A decision will have to be made over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and whether he can hold down the fort in Lacazette's absence.

Changes: 6

Sept 22: Aston Villa

This is when the Europa League factor kicks in and Arsenal will be facing two games in the space of three days, so expect Emery to revert back to a similar side which has started the first four fixtures of the season.

Six more changes again with Xhaka, David Luiz and Ceballos among those to return.

Changes: 6

Sept 24: Nottingham Forest

Carabao Cup usually means chances for the younger players within any squad. This match could come too soon for Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney to return, so that could mean a debut for Joel Lopez.

There could be wholesale changes here with the emphasis on youth and a start for Tyreece John-Jules as Aubameyang would need a rest.

Changes: 11

Sept 30: Manchester United

Arsenal's biggest game of the month as they travel to Old Trafford for a much-anticipated Monday night football clash against Manchester United.

Given United's mixed start to the season this could be Arsenal's best chance to end their rotten away record against the top six.

The hosts' game plan will be to hit the Gunners on the counter, but Emery may have already laid down the blueprint for the big away games with his system away at Liverpool last month.

Changes: 10

October 3: Standard Liege

Back to Europa League action three days later and a game the Gunners should win - at least on paper.

With Bellerin and Tierney expected to be in full training in September, Emery might want to get at least 45 minutes from his returning full-backs.

That would mean Ainsley Maitland-Niles operating on both flanks for a half each.

Changes: 9

October 7: Bournemouth

The final chapter in this run of seven games in three weeks. Arsenal face Bournemouth at home in a meeting that could have an end-to-end feel about it.

That could mean a fun day at the Emirates for Nicolas Pepe and Aubameyang. Will Lacazette be fit enough to return, we think he could be held back for an appearance off the bench if fit.

Changes: 9

         
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