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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Fulham: Why change a winning formula?

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (front) applauds as he celebrates with his players after winning at the end of the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on August 20, 2022. - Arsenal won 3 - 0 against Bournemouth. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (front) applauds as he celebrates with his players after winning at the end of the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on August 20, 2022. - Arsenal won 3 - 0 against Bournemouth. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal have started the 2022/23 Premier League season in scintillating style and many expect the Gunners to make it four wins from four on Saturday evening.

However, Mikel Arteta’s purring outfit host Fulham this weekend in what looks to be their trickiest encounter since they faced an undercooked Crystal Palace on opening night.

Marco Silva’s side are physical, direct, and led by early Golden Boot front-runner Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Cottagers are one of seven teams that are unbeaten through three games, and the very early signs suggest that the west Londoners might be sticking around in the top-flight for a little while longer than they usually have in recent years.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Fulham

Saturday’s clash will be no walkover for the home side, and here’s the starting XI we think Mikel Arteta will pick for the contest.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

William Saliba is loving life in north London. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
William Saliba is loving life in north London. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Ramsdale registered his second clean sheet of the season last weekend as he was rarely tested. He’ll continue between the sticks.

Ben White (RB) – White impressed from an offensive perspective down on the South Coast and it looks like he’s established a healthy relationship with Bukayo Saka down the right. While Takehiro Tomiyasu is knocking on the door, White should retain his place.

William Saliba (CB) – Is there anything this man can’t do? The young Frenchman is already a fan favourite and he opened his Arsenal account with a fine left-footed strike last weekend.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel will likely be assigned to Mitrovic in this one and he must tread with caution. Over-aggression could play into the Serb’s hands so the Brazilian must be measured and adopt some Saliba-like serenity.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko will again play a key role for the hosts in the build-up. The positions he takes up will be crucial in ensuring Arsenal are able to progress beyond Fulham’s centrally compact 4-4-2 press.

Midfielders

Martin Odegaard was lethal last weekend. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard was lethal last weekend. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey was once again silently impressive last Saturday with his role in the side so crucial. The Ghanian must prevent the ball from arriving at Mitrovic’s feet in this one, while he’ll also have the task of tracking the crafty Andreas Pereira.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Fulham’s proficiency in transition means Xhaka must be careful in regards to his attacking forays. He can’t leave Partey on an island. Nevertheless, the Swiss international’s stellar start to the season means he’ll continue in Arteta’s XI.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The once meek Odegaard evolved into an efficient sharp-shooter at the Vitality as he notched his maiden Arsenal brace in the opening exchanges. Such assuredness in front of goal will be welcomed by every Gooner moving forward.

Forwards

No one can slow down Gabriel Jesus. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
No one can slow down Gabriel Jesus. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka’s season is yet to ignite but that’s not to say he isn’t contributing. He’s just getting outshone. There’s not a chance he’s dropped from the XI on Saturday evening.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – The experienced Tim Ream and wily Tosin Adarabioyo must be quaking in their boots after seeing Gabriel Jesus’ start to the season. The former Manchester City forward is playing like a man possessed! He is the absolute key to this Arsenal side.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – The relentlessness of Martinelli is proving too much for Premier League defences at this early stage of the season. The Brazilian frustratingly didn’t get on the scoresheet last time out, but he looks like making something happen every time he receives possession.