Arsenal get their 2020/21 campaign underway on Saturday when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham. The Gunners are positive about a bright season ahead, having made significant strides under Mikel Arteta while winning the Community Shield earlier this summer. A win against the newly-promoted club, in that regard, should further boost their confidence.
Predicted 3-4-3 Arsenal Lineup Vs Fulham
Defence
Arteta faces a massive injury crisis in the defensive department heading into this game. Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are all out with long-term injuries, although Mari is nearing his return to the pitch.
Unfortunately for the north London giants, even David Luiz is now a major doubt after picking up a neck problem during training. His absence should pave the way for Rob Holding to retain his place in the starting lineup.
William Saliba has been a part of the Arsenal setup for a considerable period now and should get the nod ahead of new signing Gabriel Magalhaes, who still requires some time before he can settle in at his new club.
While the Brazilian may feature as a substitute, it is Kieran Tierney who is likely to retain his place in the left side of the three-man backline.
There will be a change in goal, however, with Bernd Leno returning to the side at the expense of the in-form Emiliano Martinez. It could be a bittersweet moment for the Arsenal fans.
Midfield
There is no reason for Arteta to not go with Dani Ceballos this weekend given the dearth of reliable options in central midfield. The Spaniard has recently extended his stay at Emirates for another year and should thrive even more in the Premier League. He is set to reunite with Granit Xhaka, thus forming the double-pivot of Arsenal’s 3-4-3.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is facing an uncertain future at Emirates so we might see Bukayo Saka starting at left wing-back, ahead of both him and Sead Kolasinac. Hector Bellerin is also likely to be preferred at right wingback, at the expense of Cedric Soares.
Attack
Mesut Ozil could be a shock option for Arteta this weekend, having featured in the friendly against Aston Villa. However, Nicolas Pepe also featured in that game and with Saka operating as a wingback, the Ivorian is likely to occupy the right-wing position.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, meanwhile, has done well at left-wing so he might retain his role. It means we still to have wait for Willian’s starting debut for Arsenal while Alexandre Lacazette may get the chance to spearhead the attack.
Leno
Holding – Saliba – Tierney
Bellerin – Ceballos – Xhaka – Saka
Pepe – Lacazette – Aubameyang
