“I know he’s young and probably lacks the physicality to play at high level but he’s still going to start against Fulham”: Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta names confirms the newly promoted academy player is going to start against Fulham this weekend
Arsenal resume their Premier League season with an away trip to Fulham on Saturday.
Ahead of the London derby, manager Mikel Arteta has a selection headache on his hands with several attackers in fine scoring form.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman all scored during the October international break.
Midfielder Mikel Merino (2) was also on the scoresheet, while Ethan Nwaneri bagged two assists.
In our view, Arteta should go with a front three of Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres and Saka against Fulham.
Gyokeres has not scored in his last eight games for club and country, but Arteta is most likely to back him to lead the line once more.
The Swede has been unfortunate with a penalty decision going against him, while he also hit the woodwork prior to the break.
Saka is obviously an undisputed starter on the right wing, and we believe Martinelli should feature on the opposite flank at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal have not won in their last two trips to the stadium. They picked up a 1-1 draw last season, but things could have been much different.
Saka scored from a Martinelli cross late in the game, but the goal was unfortunately chalked off by VAR as the latter was offside in the lead-up.
Martinelli had a lively cameo. He redeemed himself at the Emirates Stadium, grabbing an assist for Saka in a 2-1 win for the Gunners in April.
The Brazilian had a good outing against right-back Timothy Castagne, winning two dribbles. He tormented the Belgian, getting behind him with his pace.
Castagne looks poised to start once more with Keny Tete injured, and Martinelli should relish the prospect of facing the 29-year-old on Saturday evening.
Martinelli has recently been a regular substitute in the Premier League, with Leandro Trossard getting the nod on the left wing in the last three games.
However, it appears the perfect time for a switch. Martinelli has amassed four goals and one assist in his last seven appearances for club and country.
Arteta should back the £48 million-rated star to start on the left wing against Fulham this weekend.
