Centre-Backs

I said the last decision was tough. I now realize that’s relative. This is a serious poser, especially in terms of tactics.
Arsenal’s backline is, in a word, injured. Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers, and Shkodran Mustafi are busy rehabilitating in order to fight their way back into the Starting XI. Sokratis is a non-factor. And now David Luiz has picked up a potentially very serious knock as well.
Irrespective of David Luiz injury Mikel Arteta has made clear he wants Rob Holding as a centre-back option this season & the 24yo is now expected to stay at Arsenal rather than join Newcastle on loan. He’s also in line to start at Fulham on Saturday @TheAthleticUK #AFC #NUFC #FFC https://t.co/zcNsC0QxNR
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 9, 2020
Thank you David Ornstein. Rob Holding will start against Fulham, a mantle that he certainly deserves, despite inheriting it by default. But the glut of injured centre-backs creates a serious problem: can Arsenal play in a back-three?
Survey says yes. Despite the fact that Arsenal will certainly look to control possession against Fulham, they are not comfortable enough to start in a back-four. The 3-4-3 is our best formation going forward, despite some of the tactical disadvantages that might come against the Cottagers. Expect a scrappy affair.
Flanking Rob Holding in a back-three will be William Saliba and Kieran Tierney. Similar to the Community Shield and FA Cup, Tierney’s long-passing will be instrumental in the incumbent victory, fingers crossed. Despite his recent Scotland match, he’s too important to this team.
And of the remaining centre-backs, William Saliba has the greatest chance of being match-fit, considering he’s been training with the Gunners for a week, far more than new boy Gabriel Magalhaes. He’ll feature on the right.