Arsenal predicted XI vs Fulham as Mikel Arteta faced with major striker dilemma
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a lack of central striking options ahead of Sunday’s tough Premier League showdown with London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage
Arsenal should make the short trip across the capital to Craven Cottage in good spirits after last weekend’s rousing riot against Bournemouth.
The Gunners looked dead and buried against the struggling Cherries, who managed to lead a shock two goals at the Emirates. But a stunning second-half show, capped by a late blitz from Reiss Nelson, was enough to ensure Mikel Arteta’s side would restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners then followed up with a decent midweek draw at Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League, but Arteta will have no illusions about the game against Fulham: the Londoners are enjoying a good season and are scrapping it for European football rather than their top flight – Flight Survival as we enter the final third of the campaign. Here, mirror football looks at how Arsenal could line up with some of their key attacking powers expected to miss…
In goal, Aaron Ramsdale will certainly don the gloves and meet Bernd Leno: the Germany goalkeeper who was in possession of the Gunners No 1 shirt when Ramsdale first joined the club last summer.
Things should be pretty clear ahead of Ramsdale. Takehiro Tomiyasu could get ahead of Ben White after the latter started midweek against Lisbon, with Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to take the position of left-back at the opposite side. The focus is on the “happy marriage” of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Ahead of them, Martin Odegaard could return after missing the trip to Portugal mid-week due to illness. The Gunners captain is likely to play in front of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, who should replace Jorginho.
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In attack, Arsenal have a concern or two: Gabriel Jesus is back in the frame after a three-month absence following knee surgery but is unlikely to be risked. Eddie Nketiah, who was in the Brazilian’s absence, is also absent.
Leandro Trossard has been developing successfully as a false nine in recent weeks but Arteta has already hinted that the Belgium international is also in doubt for Sunday’s game. This leaves Gabriel Martinelli the most likely candidate for a central hit role against Fulham.
If Martinelli comes on as expected as the number 9, Fabio Vieira should have the chance to build on his impressive performance against Sporting Lisbon with a three-man attack. Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka has been in fine form lately and will take his usual place on the right flank of the Gunners’ front three to complete the squad.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Leicester (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Martinelli, and Fabio Vieira