Arsenal take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Gunners will be looking to extend their lead at the summit of the English top flight before second-placed Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday.
18 of Mikel Arteta’s senior players were on international duty over the last ten days, and it appears every single one of them has come through unscathed on the injury front.
This should mean the Spaniard has the majority of his squad to select from for the visit to West London, minus a few notable absentees.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Fulham
Arsenal will be without Martin Odegaard for the trip to Fulham, while Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz all remain out.
Picking a replacement for the Norwegian playmaker will be what dominates the narrative around Arteta’s team selection, although many suspect Eberechi Eze will simply be given the gig.
Mikel Merino is another option, albeit the Spanish midfielder would represent a pragmatic choice, while Ethan Nwaneri is less likely to be selected as the head coach continues to refrain from using the youngster.
Most of the rest of the starting eleven will pick themselves. Arteta is seemingly settled on a back four consisting of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori.
Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice will likely sit behind Eze in the middle of the park. Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres are automatic starters in the front three, while a decision will have to be made between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
Fulham are likely to sit deep to try to contain Arsenal, meaning this game may suit the Belgian’s ability to operate in tight spaces, perhaps giving him an edge over the Brazilian.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Fulham: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Fulham team news ahead of Arsenal clash
Marco Silva has a relatively injury-free squad to select from at the moment.
However, the Portuguese manager does have to contend with a couple of problems in key areas, and he may have a real issue up front for the visit of Arsenal.
Rodrigo Muniz is out until November with a thigh injury, while Raul Jimenez faces a late fitness test to determine his availability. The Mexican is struggling with a groin issue, and if he’s unavailable, Silva may have to deploy an unconventional striker.
Meanwhile, full-back Kenny Tete won’t be available until next month due to a knee injury and, like Jimenez, Sasa Lukic will be examined shortly before Saturday’s game to assess his fitness status.
Fulham are likely to set up with Josh King, Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi behind a centre-forward, although if neither of their strikers is deemed fit, then King could play as a false nine.
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