Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Fulham: Changes from defeat?

A deflating defeat to West Ham on Thursday night shouldn't spark widespread panic in north London, but it does mean Arsenal are heading into their final game of 2023 having won just one of their last five in all competitions.

Thus, Sunday's game at Fulham on New Year's Eve is a must-win.

Should they take all three points from Craven Cottage, Mikel Arteta's title hopefuls will end the year at the top of the Premier League table with current leaders Liverpool hosting Newcastle on New Year's Day.

While little has once again changed on the injury front heading into this fixture, Arteta will welcome Kai Havertz back from suspension. Here's how the Gunners could line up on Sunday.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Fulham

GK: David Raya - Raya emerged from the West Ham loss with some credibility after saving a late penalty. The Spaniard has been stable as of late.

RB: Ben White - White will continue in the side on Sunday. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined.

CB: William Saliba - The superstar defender perhaps wasn't at his best in midweek after starring at Anfield, but Saliba is a sure bet to start again on Sunday.

CB: Gabriel - Similar to his centre-back partner, Arteta will hope he can utilise Gabriel for the remaining 19 Premier League fixtures.

LB: Jakub Kiwior - I don't think Kiwior is a great option for this role, but I think Arteta will make a change at left-back considering Oleksandr Zinchenko's recent dip.

DM: Declan Rice - The former West Ham skipper produced a rare mediocre display on Thursday night and will be keen to return to his usual imperious self at Craven Cottage. Could he be facing up alongside future pivot partner Joao Palhinha?

CM: Martin Odegaard - Odegaard dazzled at times against the Hammers, and he'll be expected to drop into a deeper position and orchestrate Arsenal's possession play as he has away from away in recent weeks.

CM: Kai Havertz - Havertz's aerial ability, duel-winning capacity, and ability in the box were all missed on Thursday night. The German comes back into the team after serving a one-game suspension.

RW: Bukayo Saka - The winger wasn't able to inspire the Gunners against a stubborn Hammers backline, but he'll fancy his chances of outwitting the streaky Antonee Robinson on Sunday. Saka is due a productive outing.

ST: Gabriel Jesus - Havertz's return should aid Jesus, who's been criticised for his recent profligacy.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli - Arteta will continue to back Martinelli amid his slump in form. The Brazilian simply isn't getting to enough goalscoring positions and is perhaps feeling the effects of Granit Xhaka's exit.