Home » Football » Premier League » Arsenal » [Image] Willian, Saliba and Gabriel to start? Predicted Arsenal XI to face Fulham in the PL opener

Predicted Arsenal XI to face Fulham in the Premier League

In the curtain-raiser, Arsenal will be visiting newly promoted side Fulham to kick start their campaign on 12th September. The Gunners will be riding high on confidence after winning two trophies in their last 2 competitive games, dispatching the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.

Fulham would want to make it a tough game by all means but if history is anything to go by, the home side have a very poor record against the Gunners in the last few meetings where they have lost 5 and drawn 1. It all points to a relatively easy win for Arsenal.

Aubameyang double powers Arsenal to FA Cup victory
Arsenal beat Chelsea to clinch the FA Cup title last season (Getty Images)

Team News

Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel Martinelli are ruled out with long-term injuries and will not be a part of the matchday squad. Mesut Ozil could return to the fold after his injury layoff. Other than that, Arsenal will have a fully fit squad to choose from, with the new signings likely to be a part of the squad.

Probable Arsenal XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Bernd Leno (GK)

This is where things get interesting. Bernd Leno was in decent form before he was injured and Emiliano Martinez took over. Leno was always the preferred keeper in the league and that might just be the case against Fulham.

William Saliba (CB)

After waiting for a year, fans can finally see Saliba in action for their club. A lot of eyes will be on him and everyone would want to know how he performs on his debut.

David Luiz (CB)

Luiz may not be a fan favourite due to error-prone nature but he remains one of the most experienced heads in the team.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores twice against Chelsea as Arsenal come from behind to win FA Cup
Aubameyang was the top scorer for Arsenal in the previous campaign (Getty Images)

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB)

Another new acquisition for Arsenal, Gabriel is expected to shore up Arsenal’s defence alongside Luiz and Saliba.

Kieran Tierney (LWB/LM)

After missing a large chunk of games last season due to injuries, Tierney showed his passion and drive in the final few games. He is currently first-choice at left-back and will continue to start.

Dani Ceballos (CM)

Ceballos is back at the club for another season and will look to continue from where he left off last season.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

After a revival of sorts under Arteta, Xhaka will hope to produce good performances once again, starting against Fulham.

Hector Bellerin (RWB/RM)

Bellerin would be the preferred choice ahead of Maitland-Niles and Cedric.

Arsenal 2 - 0 Manchester United - Match Report | Arsenal.com
Arsenal will kick off their PL campaign against newly-promoted Fulham this weekend (Getty Images)

Nicolas Pepe (RW)

Pepe had a slow start to his Arsenal career. Since then, he has shown his potential and will be expected to do the same this season, with Fulham being one of the less fancied teams.

Read more

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

Arsenal’s shining ray of light last season, Aubameyang will be one of the most important players in the team should he stay and renew his contract.

Willian (LW)

Willian’s quality has never been in doubt. He will hope to prove the same and get his debut for his new club in the first league game of the season.