Arsenal predicted lineup vs Fulham: The PERFECT defence returns

Arsenal hosts Fulham in gameweek 3 of the 2023/24 Premier League season. With two consecutive wins on the bounce, Mikel Arteta is seeking nothing but perfection as he plots his strategy for this London derby. With that in mind, here’s my Arsenal predicted lineup.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Fulham

The goalkeeper is an easy shout. While David Raya does provide some healthy competition to Aaron Ramsdale, I can’t see Mikel Arteta switching his goalkeeper in the Premier League. Therefore, Ramsdale gets the nod in goal.

For the right-back role, there is no choice except Ben White. While it’s not his natural position, it feels like it should be given he spent all of last season there. Bear in mind, Tomiyasu is suspended and Timber is injured.

This means that there will be a change to the starting eleven in terms of the centre backs. With White at full-back, the perfect centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel returns. Saliba has played excellently so far this season and Gabriel did well when coming off the bench against Crystal Palace.

Another player who came off the bench against Crystal Palace was Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukraine international proved he is ready for match fitness, so I think he’ll start in this match.

With Gabriel and Zinny returning to the defence, this means Thomas Partey can play in the midfield again, which let’s face it, he was doing anyway even when listed as a full-back. His two midfield partners are easy as they’re the first names on the team sheet: Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Again, Bukayo Saka will get the nod while Eddie Nketiah is in superb form so will retain his place as a striker. There’s always a toss up for the left-wing role, but I can’t see Gabriel Martinelli being dropped, particularly as he was unfairly subbed off on Monday night.

Predicted Arsenal lineup: Ramsdale, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli