How Arsenal could line-up versus Fulham

1:00pm on Friday 11th September 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Arsenal's starting XI for the opening day of the season is one of the most difficult to predict.

Mikel Arteta has options and though he is likely to stick with his 3-4-3 that he used in the Community Shield against Liverpool, there's various positions up for grabs.

In goal, Bernd Leno is likely to return, with Emiliano Martinez negotiating with other clubs and could be set for an exit sooner rather than later.

In defence, if Arteta does play a three, there's a number of different ways he can go. Kieran Tierney is a lock on the left of the three, with a toss up in the middle between dual new signings William Saliba and Gabriel for a starting slot.

With David Luiz injured and Rob Holding still at the club, the latter might get the nod on the right of the three.

At wing-back Hector Bellerin isn't leaving for PSG any time soon, so will start on the right, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles will slot in on the left.

Up top is where Arteta could go in a few directions. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will definitely start, while Nicolas Pepe and Eddie Nketiah could pick up the other two slots, but Bukayo Saka will be pushing hard to play and Arteta may want to use him, particularly after his effective display in the Community Shield.