After yet another disappointing performance last time out, the Gunners get a chance to rectify the mood as they welcome a resurgent Fulham to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow afternoon. The quick return to action gives the team a great opportunity to get back to winning ways.
Having thumped Fulham in the reverse fixture earlier on in the season, Arsenal should be confident. However, since then, Claudio Ranieri has come into the West London hot seat and has gradually steadied the ship. Coming into this one, a last gasp winner a few days ago gave Fulham a confidence spilling victory and a vitally important three points.
Arsenal however, vitally need three points tomorrow. Losing ground on the top four is an absolute no, and as such, Emery needs his big players to find form, and fast. Alex Lacazette is in with a strong chance of starting as his link up play was heavily missed against Liverpool, with Aubameyang left very isolated. In defence, hopefully Hector Bellerin is fit to return, whilst Nacho Monreal could also come back into contention. Sead Kolasinac was so off game at left back, and massively needs a back three so he can play in the left wing back role. Mustafi is also being assessed ahead of the fixture but if he has anything in the tank, it is better than a past-it looking Lichtsteiner and a rusty looking Koscielny at centre back.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira were pretty overwhelmed at Anfield. Liverpool's midfield ran the show and Torreira especially just couldn't get into the game. This is very likely to change with Fulham being the visitors but Emery could see fit that a back four with three in centre midfield a more appropriate solution. I personally don't. At home, and being the better side, Arsenal need Aubameyang from the left, Iwobi from the right with Ramsey or Ozil in the ten all behind Lacazette. A pacey and direct front four pushed aside Fulham a few months ago and stands a strong chance of doing so once again. We saw Guendouzi come in and make a three man midfield against Huddersfield and as a result, the link between midfield and attack was not there. All three midfielders saw plenty of ball but did very little in the way of creating chances. At home, where teams sit deep, an attacking midfielder or two is essential.
Expected lineup:
GK: Bernd Leno
RB: Hector Bellerin
CB: Skhodran Mustafi
CB: Sokratis
LB: Sead Kolasinac
CM: Granit Xhaka
CM: Lucas Torreira
RW: Alex Iwobi
CAM: Aaron Ramsey
LW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
ST: Alex Lacazette
Prediction: 3-0, Lacazette and Aubameyang to both be on the scoresheet.
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