Despite making quite a few changes to their first-team line-up, Arsenal completely dominated the Europa League on Thursday and came away with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Qarabag FK.
Sokratis, Matteo Guendouzi and Emile Smith Rowe all scored their first goals for the club. The 3-0 result marked Arsenal’s eighth consecutive win across all competitions.
And Unai Emery’s men should be looking to extend their winning streak to nine games when they make the trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Sunday.
On the other hand, Slavisa Jokanovic’s men must aim to breathe air into their campaign after managing only a single win in the season so far.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Laurent Koscielny continue to be on the sidelines to nurse their long-term injuries while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might miss Sunday’s clash due to a minor illness. Bernd Leno will be expected to continue as the No.1 between the sticks to cover for Petr Cech’s thigh injury.
Unai Emery is expected to make radical changes to the line-up that competed in the Europa League.
The new signing looked confident between the sticks in the last game and should retain his position as Petr Cech is injured.
The Spaniard should be fresh to start on Sunday after being rested for the Europa League tie.
He has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent performer at the back and getting his name on the scoresheet in the Europa League should boost his confidence.
The youngster has established himself as a more reliable presence when compared to Shkodran Mustafi and Emery should hand him another start ahead of the German to allow him to grow in confidence.
The veteran usually contributes a lot in terms of the attack and the defence and that should continue earning him starts on a regular basis.
Matteo Guendouzi had a good game against Qarabag but Emery must turn to his more experienced option in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan has lacked discipline but has shown a lot of energy in the midfield, often helping the team win back possession in the central areas.
It looks like the Nigerian youngster is finally set to fulfil his potential this season. He has contributed with goals and assists and Emery should hand him a start ahead of Aubameyang, who might not be in the best physical condition.
The Welshman was rested for the Europa League game but should be one of the first names on the teamsheet in the Premier League.
The German still looks a bit rusty but has found some form recently and that should encourage Emery to hand him more starts.
The Frenchman has been an influential figure in the final third for the Gunners and he should be aiming to deliver the goods on Sunday.