Arsenal predicted lineup vs Fulham: Pepe and Saka stay in?

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Trying to work out what Arteta’s thinking is can usually be a waste of time since his mind works in its own clever way. People still haven’t sussed out Pep Guardiola after all these years. However, if making a prediction – which is what this is – then it’ll be that he goes for momentum.

Hence why it’ll be the same front four. Maybe. Potentially.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – The captain would likely have returned for this fixture with goals to be had against Fulham, but as he recovers from malaria it’s almost certain Alexandre Lacazette keeps his place. The Frenchman has four goals in his last two outings and is brimming with confidence, and while Nketiah and Balogun are waiting in the wings, Arteta might fancy continuity.

Nicolas Pepe (LW) – Will it be a shame to see Gabriel Martinelli left out once more? Yes, it will. Will it be a shame to see Pepe keep his place? No, it most certainly will not.

One of the main critiques of Arteta’s handling of the Ivorian has been an apparent lack of trust over a longer stretch of games: he scores one week then is on the bench the next. This will be his third consecutive start and a chance to silence any doubters.