Arsenal swept away Slavia Prague in the Europa League in midweek, beating them 4-0 away from home. And now, they are back in the Premier League where they face Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been really unpredictable this season and in midweek we saw the best of them on the pitch. But the real problem for Mikel Arteta is that he cannot guarantee that his players will bring the same intensity this weekend as well.
Thankfully, Fulham have lost their last 4 matches in the Premier League and are still sitting in that relegation zone. So even if Arsenal do not hit peak form on Sunday, they should be able to come out of this game with all three points.
Mikel Arteta will have a few big-name players missing from action this weekend but he has enough talent in the squad to be able to name a sturdy enough starting XI at the Emirates.
Arsenal team news vs Fulham:
With David Luiz ruled out, Pablo Mari and Rob Holding started in central defence vs Slavia Prague while Gabriel was on the bench. But on Sunday, we expect Gabriel to come back into the side, replacing Mari in the back line.
Xhaka has been filling in at left-back due to Kieran Tierney’s absence and the Swiss international might have to do the same job against Fulham as well.
Granit Xhaka playing in at left-back means Ceballos will get another chance to start in central midfield alongside Thomas Partey.
Martin Odegaard is facing a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s game but his inclusion is still not certain, in which case, Emile Smith Rowe will come into the side and play as the No 10.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is recovering from malaria and will not be available for selection so Nicolas Pepe will have to play on the left wing on Sunday.
Talking about Aubameyang, the manager said: “Let’s see how he recovers, obviously when you get a disease like this it can take a bit for the body to feel in good condition to the extreme condition we put the body through in our sport. But he wants to come back very quickly, he is looking forward to being back with the team so let’s wait.”
Bukayo Saka and Lacazette are two of the most consistent players for Arsenal right now and they are automatic selections for Mikel Arteta on Sunday.
How the Gunners could line up vs Fulham:
Predicted Line-up: Bernd Leno; Gabriel, Holding, Bellerin, Granit Xhaka; Dani Ceballos, Thomas Partey, Odegaard/Smith Rowe; Lacazette, Pepe, Bukayo Saka.
Stats via Whoscored.
