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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Fulham: Skipper returns to the fold

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard celebrates after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 1, 2023. (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. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard celebrates after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 1, 2023. (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. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s Premier League title charge continues on Sunday afternoon as they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Marco Silva’s Fulham.

The Gunners were sub-par in the week as they returned to Europa League action against Sporting CP, but they’ll fancy their chances of advancing into the quarter-finals after securing a 2-2 draw on the road.

Mikel Arteta shuffled his pack for the trip to Lisbon and while he’s set to return to the norm on Sunday, injuries in attack mean the Spaniard’s hand is limited this weekend.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Fulham

Here’s the starting XI the boss could pick for the trip to Fulham.

How many starters from Thursday will keep their places? (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
How many starters from Thursday will keep their places? (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Matt Turner’s rusty showing last time out depicted just how far away he is from even competing with Ramsdale for the number one spot.

Ben White (RB) – Takehiro Tomiyasu enjoyed an impressive cameo against Sporting, but I don’t think he’ll displace White, who scored his first Arsenal goal last Saturday, in the Premier League XI.

William Saliba (CB) – A goalscorer in the week, Saliba was among the Gunners’ more impressive performers in Lisbon and there’s no doubt he’ll start at Craven Cottage.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel grabbed the first of many Arsenal late winners this season in the reverse fixture. The Brazilian has been superb this term, and he’ll come back in after only making the bench on Thursday.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Kieran Tierney’s illness meant Zinchenko started in midweek but the Ukrainian was uncharacteristically poor. However, his sub-par showing will not harm his chances of playing this weekend.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – The Ghanaian enjoyed a late cameo on Thursday and is a sure bet to return to the starting XI against Fulham.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Arteta is still hesitant to give Emile Smith Rowe a start, so it’d be a surprise to see Xhaka drop out of the team. He was one of Arsenal’s better performers in Lisbon.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The skipper is a doubt through illness after missing the game in midweek. However, we suspect Odegaard will recover in time for Sunday’s trip to west London and will be back in the starting XI. Fabio Vieira is waiting in the wings, however.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Was a full 90 in Lisbon necessary? Probably not. The starboy will likely have to get through the entirety of Sunday’s contest, too.

Gabriel Martinelli (ST) – Leandro Trossard is unlikely to return this weekend, while Eddie Nketiah’s status is unknown. Gabriel Jesus could make his comeback to the matchday squad but almost certainly won’t start.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – Arsenal’s injuries in attack all but guarantee Nelson a rare Premier League start. The wide man showed flashes in Lisbon but he couldn’t produce in the final third.