As the Premier League season heads into its final stretch, Arsenal faces a crucial matchup against Fulham on Tuesday night. After the international break, Mikel Arteta’s men are back in action with the task of securing a vital three points. With Liverpool sitting 12 points clear at the top of the table, the Gunners’ chances of winning the title this season are slim. However, there’s still an opportunity to keep the pressure on the league leaders, and securing a win over Fulham would go some way toward that goal.
The Cottagers, though not in contention for European spots, have proven to be a tough opponent for many teams this season. Arsenal will have to break down a solid defensive setup if they are to win this game, which would be their first victory over Fulham since March 2023. But while the title race may be drifting away from the north Londoners, Arteta’s side is still fighting for pride and for a strong finish to the season.
With several key players returning from international duty, including Bukayo Saka, Arteta has plenty of options at his disposal as he looks to keep Arsenal in the hunt for second place. But the Gunners will have to do so without Riccardo Calafiori, who has been ruled out through injury.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up for Fulham’s midweek visit to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s Current Situation and the Importance of This Game
Although Arsenal’s title hopes are all but dashed, Arteta’s side still has plenty to play for. Liverpool’s commanding lead at the top of the Premier League means that a comeback is unlikely, but a second-place finish is very much achievable, and every point matters in the race for Champions League qualification. The focus for Arsenal, therefore, is not only to finish the season strongly but to avoid any further slips and maintain their place among the top teams in England.
Fulham, on the other hand, have had an up-and-down season. The Cottagers will enter this fixture in mid-table, safe from relegation but without any realistic chance of qualifying for Europe. However, Marco Silva’s side can still play spoiler, and with several quality players, they will certainly pose a challenge to the Gunners. Arsenal must ensure they secure all three points to keep up with their rivals and avoid any surprises on home turf.
The international break gave Arsenal a chance to regroup, and several players, including 15 internationals, returned with positive momentum. With a mix of players having featured heavily for their national teams and others getting valuable rest, Arteta will have a fully prepared squad for this midweek clash.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Fulham (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: David Raya
David Raya has been in excellent form this season, and his performances for Arsenal have justified his place as Arteta’s preferred goalkeeper. Raya’s shot-stopping ability has been a standout feature, and while he may not have played for Spain in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands, his form at club level has been top-notch. Raya has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers, and Arsenal will be counting on him to keep Fulham at bay in what promises to be a testing encounter.
Right-Back: Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber will start as Arsenal’s right-back, despite the return of Ben White from injury. The Dutchman has been a key player for Arteta since his arrival, and his performances at the back have been solid. While White has been back in action for over a month, Timber’s sturdier defensive qualities, combined with his ability to contribute going forward, have earned him the starting spot. Timber’s ability to deal with Fulham’s wingers and provide support to the attack will be crucial for Arsenal’s success in this game.
Centre-Back: William Saliba
William Saliba has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defense all season. The Frenchman’s combination of strength, intelligence, and composure on the ball has made him a key figure in Arteta’s setup. Saliba was on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture, but his early goal was only enough to earn Arsenal a draw against Fulham. This time, Saliba will be hoping to lead the defense to a clean sheet and ensure that the Gunners can push forward in search of all three points. His aerial ability and defensive positioning will be crucial against Fulham’s counter-attacks.
Centre-Back: Gabriel Magalhães
Gabriel has been an ever-present force in Arsenal’s defense this season, and he’ll be looking to continue his excellent form against Fulham. The Brazilian defender was absent for Brazil’s 4-1 defeat to Argentina, serving a suspension, but he’s returned to London early and will be fresh for this match. Gabriel’s physicality and leadership in the backline are invaluable, and he’ll be tasked with nullifying Fulham’s attacking threat. Alongside Saliba, he forms a formidable partnership at the heart of the Gunners’ defense, and Arteta will rely on him to keep things tight at the back.
Left-Back: Myles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal will be without Riccardo Calafiori, who has recently joined the injury list. This opens the door for Myles Lewis-Skelly to start at left-back. The teenager had a standout international break with England’s U21s, impressing with his performances in the first two matches. His rise has been swift, and he’ll be keen to show that he can handle the pressure of playing in the Premier League. Lewis-Skelly’s pace, energy, and composure on the ball make him an exciting prospect, and he’ll be tasked with providing balance down the left side for Arsenal.
Central Midfield: Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey will likely continue in the holding midfield role for Arsenal. The Ghanaian midfielder has been one of the standout players for the Gunners this season, and his performances for his national team during the international break were also strong. Partey scored twice in Ghana’s 3-0 victory over Madagascar, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the attacking third. He will anchor the midfield for Arsenal, offering protection to the defense and helping to control the tempo of the game. His ability to break up Fulham’s attacks and dictate play from deep will be vital for Arteta’s side.
Central Midfield: Declan Rice
Declan Rice has adapted to his role at Arsenal, often playing ahead of Partey in midfield. The England international has shown great versatility and composure in his new position, and Arteta will rely on him to provide stability and creativity in the midfield. During the international break, Rice gained experience playing as a defensive midfielder, but against Fulham, he will likely operate further forward. His dynamic running and ball-winning abilities will be essential in both breaking up Fulham’s play and driving Arsenal forward.
Central Midfield: Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal’s captain, has had a somewhat disappointing season by his standards, but his performance for Norway during the international break was a reminder of his quality. Ødegaard was instrumental in Norway’s 4-2 win over Israel, contributing both in terms of creativity and leadership. The Norwegian has the ability to unlock defenses with his vision and passing range, and Arteta will need him to find his best form in the final weeks of the season. Against Fulham, Ødegaard will be tasked with dictating play and providing the spark in attack.
Right Wing: Ethan Nwaneri
Although Bukayo Saka is back from international duty, Arteta may opt to ease him back into the starting lineup by giving Ethan Nwaneri another chance to impress. The young winger has been in strong form for Arsenal’s youth teams and even impressed for England’s U21s during the break. Nwaneri is a promising talent, and his pace and directness will offer Arsenal another attacking outlet on the right wing. With Saka available from the bench, Nwaneri could be a key contributor in the opening stages.
Striker: Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has been filling in as a makeshift center-forward for Arsenal, and his performance in recent matches has been solid. The Spaniard scored the only goal in Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea before the international break, and his link-up play and work rate have made him a useful option for Arteta. Merino may not be a natural striker, but he provides a versatile and intelligent presence in the attacking third. With other attacking options at Arteta’s disposal, Merino will be looking to continue his strong form and help Arsenal secure a vital three points.
Left Wing: Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli has faced some criticism for his performances this season, but he will be hoping to find his best form in the final stretch of the campaign. The Brazilian winger has been one of Arsenal’s brightest stars in recent seasons, and with no international commitments during the break, he should be well-rested for this clash against Fulham. Martinelli’s pace, dribbling, and directness make him a constant threat on the left wing, and he will be key in breaking down Fulham’s defense.
Conclusion
Arsenal will need to be at their best to beat Fulham and keep the pressure on the teams ahead of them in the Premier League. With several key players returning to full fitness, Arteta has plenty of options at his disposal, and he’ll be hoping to see his side take all three points at home. A strong performance from players like Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and David Raya will be crucial if Arsenal are to secure a much-needed win after the international break.
