Last Word on Football looks into Arsenal’s predicted lineup after Gabriel Jesus returns to full training with his Gunners teammates. Arsenal aim to continue their perfect start to their campaign as they take on Fulham at the Emirates in their second London derby in as many games.
Gabriel Jesus Set to Return to Matchday Squad: Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
Oleksandr Zinchenko to Return
The red card shown to Takehiro Tomiyasu on Monday night in Arsenal’s impressive 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace gives Arteta even fewer options at left-back. Arsenal are already without new signing Jurrien Timber who sustained a long-term injury on the opening day of the season.
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On more positive news, the return of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has not started a Premier League match since May, could come at the perfect time for Arteta’s side. the Ukrainian came on for the dying embers of Arsenal’s victory at Selhurst Park last week to help secure the three points. It is likely that he will be rushed back to Arsenal’s starting lineup in order to fill the left-back void.
Expect the centre-back partnership of Ben White and William Saliba to remain the same with Thomas Partey continuing at right-back. Gabriel Magalhaes’ start to the season on the bench looks set to continue with a Move to Al Ittihad still being rumoured. Clearly there is a change in Mikel Arteta’s tactics.
Same Midfield for Arteta’s Side
Declan Rice put his marker down in the win against Crystal Palace with a player-of-the-match performance. His role as the holding midfielder looks set to be a hallmark of this Arsenal side for the foreseeable future with Martin Odergaard and Kai Havertz expected to complete the Gunners’ midfield.
Gabriel Jesus Back in Contention for Gunners
Arsenal fans worldwide would have been delighted to see star striker Gabriel Jesus return to full training this week. When asked about Jesus in his pre-match press conference, Arteta responded “He’s ready to go”.
Read more: ‘Personal Terms Agreed’: Arsenal Close to Selling Star Once Compared to Ian Wright
Notwithstanding this exciting news, expect academy graduate Eddie Nketiah to continue to lead the line against Fulham. the 24-year-old has looked dangerous in Arsenal’s opening two Premier League matches having already found the back of the net and Arteta will not want to risk Jesus from the start with some huge top-six clashes on the horizon.
Gabby is back 😍 pic.twitter.com/ymTZCN5TPX
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 24, 2023
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli look certain to start on wings to complete the same front three which has served Arsenal well so far this season.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
Arsenal come into the clash with Fulham on the back of two straight one-goal victories. In both games, the Gunners dominated possession and created plenty of chances yet found themselves digging in to secure the three points on both occasions. The North London side will be looking for a much more comfortable display Fulham who looked poor in their 3-0 home defeat to Brentford last week.
Will Arsenal Underperform This Season?
This weekend’s fixture will provide the last opportunity for Arteta to weigh up his squad before the closing of the transfer window and before Arsenal enter a difficult run of fixtures including Man Utd, Tottenham, Man City, and Chelsea in their next six games.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Timber remains the only long-term injury for the Gunners. Ex-Man City double Zinchenko and Jesus are both available for selection after recovering from serious injuries. Tomiyasu however is out of contention for Fulham’s visit to the Emirates following his red card against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Ramsdale, Partey, White, Saliba, Zinchenko, Rice, Odergaard, Havertz, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Current Odds: Arsenal vs Fulham
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Home win 1/5, draw 6/1, away win 12/1
Photo credit: Mark Hillary on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
