Arsenal vs Fulham Predicted XI & Tactics: Start as You Mean to Continue

Front Three

At least one of these fellas is a shoo-in. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start on the left-flank and I’m awfully excited for it. He’s been in flying form, and there isn’t anything to suggest that will stop.

The striker position is also easily rationalized. Given the France-based players have been released from their quarantine, and trained for the last week, Alexandre Lacazette will start. Due to Nketiah’s international contributions, he will take a week to return to full contention.

But again, the right-wing is a battle of two. Willian and Pepe arrived to Arsenal training around the same time, the Brazilian a few days earlier. And it’s training that will actually settle this one for me.

In their most recent video, Pepe, Ceballos, and Gabriel were all placed on the same team, and trained against a number of the academy players and reserves. As a result, I’m convinced they’re in the position where they need to build up fitness. Gabriel won’t start, nor will Ceballos, which means Willian wins the winger battle. His first game in the red-and-white will be against a London club.

And hey, just for s**ts and giggles, I’m doubling up. If Arteta reverts to a back-four by some miracle, the front-three will not change, nor will the back-four, assuming Bellerin starts at right-back. He will only make that change if Bukayo Saka cannot start, in which case, expect a midfield of Xhaka and Elneny, with either Willock or Ceballos ahead of them. God please, let Saka start.

Lacazette will be key in possession, as per normal. Expect Saka – when he starts – to tuck into the midfield a-la Maitland-Niles in possession, allowing Tierney more space on the left. I’m certainly optimistic about our chances, especially since Arteta has plugged some of the leaks during away games. Let the season begin!