Jesus starts, Jorginho benched: 4-3-3 Predicted team vs Fulham
The Gunners are preparing for what many will deem as a tough trip to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Manchester City found a way to win a dubious late penalty at Crystal Palace to put the pressure back on Arsenal in the title race on Saturday.
With only 12 games left in the league campaign, every result will be massive and so will Mikel Arteta’s decisions in the starting line up.
In goal, Ramsdale is bound to start behind the usual centre-back partnership of Gabriel and Saliba.
It was a bit strange to witness Tomiyasu fail to start at Sporting as it would have given Ben White the rest he needed for this Fulham trip. White has to start ahead of the recently out-of-form and often clumsy Japanese while Zinchenko keeps his spot at left-back.
In midfield, Partey and Xhaka should be the pair even though it is tempting to bring in Jorginho because of his defense-splitting passes at times.
However, if Odegaard is not fit to start – due to illness – then Jorginho should be the one filling that creative role instead of Vieira, who is still lacking in so many areas.
Saka – an overused player who really should’ve been given some kind of rest on Thursday – is bound to start along with Martinelli.
But the biggest decision will be at centre-forward where options are very slim, due to Nketiah’s absence.
Therefore, with Gabriel Jesus expected to be back in the squad, it would be risky but very intriguing to start the Brazilian (play him for around an hour) to perhaps catch Fulham by surprise and also have a potentially threatening option upfront.
Yes, the decision to start Jesus so quick after a recovery could be controversial, but the Brazilian seems like the sort of man who is always hungry to play/impress and that could work in Arsenal’s favor at Craven Cottage.
PREDICTED TEAM
Ramsdale
White – Saliba – Gabriel – Zinchenko
Xhaka – Partey
Odegaard (Jorginho if not fit)
Saka – Jesus – Martinelli
Belief and self discipline will do it
we need to maintain this gap by all means, a win that is comfortable is desired. Good Luck boys