Arsenal team news: Arteta makes three changes to starting XI vs Fulham as injuries mount
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has several players who cannot participate in today’s game against Fulham, and a few other key players who may not be able to play.
Arsenal’s objective is to regain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, following Manchester City’s victory over Crystal Palace in the previous night. SportsDias examines the starting eleven that Arteta is predicted to select at Craven Cottage.
Goalkeeper – Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale has been the starting goalkeeper for every Premier League match this season.
Among all English goalkeepers in the top division, only Nick Pope has kept more clean sheets than Ramsdale.
Ramsdale has achieved 11 clean sheets so far, with eight of them happening in away matches. This is the highest number of away clean sheets achieved by any goalkeeper.
Arteta will be optimistic that Ramsdale can add to his clean sheet tally in the match taking place today in west London.
Defence – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
Arteta is expected to have his preferred defensive line-up available for the upcoming match. Although Ben White did not start in the victory against Bournemouth last week, he came off the bench at half-time and is likely to feature in the starting lineup for this game.
Following his impressive performance and first goal for Arsenal, it is expected that Takehiro Tomiyasu will be replaced by Ben White in the starting lineup.
William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko played in the 2-2 draw against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, but it is uncertain if they will feature in the starting eleven today.
Kieran Tierney, who missed the last game due to illness, is unlikely to play even if he is fit. Gabriel is expected to maintain his record of starting every league game alongside Saliba in the central defence.
Midfield – Partey, Vieira, Xhaka
Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, traveled with the team to Portugal for the last match but fell ill and was unable to participate in the match-day squad.
However, it is expected that he will be fit to play today, but it is uncertain if he can play the entire 90 minutes. In Odegaard’s absence, Fabio Vieira may retain his position in the team after starting against Bournemouth.
Granit Xhaka was not included in the starting lineup for the last game but will be one of three changes in this game. If Odegaard is not fully fit, he may be included on the bench. Thomas Partey will play in the defensive midfield position.
Attack – Saka, Martinelli, Nelson
Bukayo Saka’s inclusion in the starting lineup for the last match against Sporting came as a surprise to some, as many thought it was a good opportunity for him to rest.
Nonetheless, he is expected to make his 69th consecutive appearance in the Premier League, with 66 of them being as a starter.
Reiss Nelson, who scored the winning goal in the last game, is likely to be rewarded with a start on the left flank. However, it is reported that Leandro Trossard may be available for selection earlier than expected.
Eddie Nketiah is currently injured, while Gabriel Jesus is not yet ready to start, meaning Gabriel Martinelli is likely to play as the central striker.
Arsenal expected XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Vieira, Xhaka; Saka, Martinelli, Nelson.
Arsenal team news: Arteta makes three changes to starting XI vs Fulham as injuries mount
