Mikel Arteta is reportedly preparing to tweak his lineup ahead of Arsenal’s weekend clash with Fulham, with two key changes on the horizon — including the much-anticipated return of a £48 million star ready to reignite the Emirates atmosphere. After enduring a demanding run of games prior to the international break, Arsenal now re-emerge refreshed and refocused, and Arteta seems poised to shuffle his deck just enough to reignite the team’s spark.
The man set to headline this reshuffle is none other than Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger, who was rested in the previous fixture to shake off minor fatigue and muscle tightness, is expected to return to the starting eleven. His pace, aggression, and unpredictable flair have always been vital weapons in Arsenal’s attacking arsenal. With four goals and one assist in his last seven appearances, Martinelli’s comeback adds a burst of electricity that could rip through Fulham’s defensive lines.
Arteta has always trusted Martinelli to bring fire and chaos to structured defenses — and Fulham, who often rely on compactness and counter-attacks, may find themselves under siege. The trio of Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus is one of Arsenal’s most lethal attacking combinations, and Arteta’s decision to reunite them could be a masterstroke just as the title race begins to heat up.
In midfield, however, Arteta faces a different challenge. Captain Martin Ødegaard’s injury has forced a creative rethink, leaving the manager to choose between Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira to fill the void. Both have displayed glimpses of brilliance this season, yet neither has locked down a regular starting role. Smith Rowe’s rejuvenated fitness and dynamic movement might just give him the edge, but Vieira’s technical precision keeps him in the conversation.
Insiders believe Smith Rowe may start, as his energetic forward runs and ability to drive transitions perfectly fit Arteta’s fast-paced rhythm. The Hale End product embodies that internal Arsenal spirit — the blend of academy roots and tactical evolution that Arteta values. Still, Vieira’s artistry could be deployed if the manager opts for control over chaos.
Defensively, Arsenal are unlikely to deviate from the tried-and-true formula. The center-back duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães remains unshakable, while Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko continue their dual roles of defending and orchestrating play from deep. David Raya, calm and composed, is expected to retain his place in goal, giving the backline a sense of consistency and confidence.
Declan Rice remains the cornerstone in midfield — the enforcer, conductor, and silent leader. Since joining for £105 million, he has become Arsenal’s heartbeat, dictating tempo and snapping opposition attacks before they blossom. His face-off with Fulham’s João Palhinha promises to be one of the defining battles of the night, a clash of two defensive titans anchoring their teams.
As Fulham arrive at the Emirates, their inconsistency looms large. Marco Silva’s side can fight, yes, but against the league’s elite, their cracks often widen. Arsenal, hungry to narrow the gap on Manchester City or perhaps leapfrog into top spot, will treat this fixture as more than just three points — it’s a statement of intent. With Martinelli’s return breathing new life into the attack and the crowd roaring them on, Arsenal look primed for dominance. Expect fireworks. Final call? Martinelli shines, Arsenal 3–1 Fulham.
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