Piero Hincapie debut, Christian Norgaard starts as Arteta can rest stars - Arsenal XI vs Fulham

football.london's writers give their view on how Arsenal should line up against Fulham as summer signing Piero Hincapie is backed to make his debut

The trip to Fulham presents Arsenal with the chance of moving four points clear of title rivals Liverpool before they play Manchester United on Sunday. Mikel Arteta knows the dangers of Craven Cottage, having failed to win on multiple occasions in West London.

He has several players missing and some new fitness concerns to contend with while also dealing with the classic post-international break uncertainty. He will hope his players are indeed in good shape after some impressive displays while away with their respective nations.

With that in mind, the selection of the eleven with a tricky month of fixtures to come, including clashes in quick succession, must be done correctly. football.london ’s writers have given their thoughts on what they think the Spaniard should go for.

Tom Canton

Arsenal have another great chance to pick up a net gain in points this weekend at Fulham, and despite losing some players to injury, the squad remains mightily impressive. I want to see some changes, however, and mainly out of fear.

What I mean by that is not only does Riccardo Calafiori’s style give me cause for shakiness in the form of nerves, but the three yellow cards he has amassed after just seven games do too. Mikel Arteta says Piero Hincapie could be fit to play, so why not throw him in?

There is also the matter of Atletico Madrid in three days’ time too, and the concern about fatigue. Therefore some key players can be rested and brought on later if the matter needs it.

The likes of Zubimendi, William Saliba, Calafiori and Leandro Trossard can take a pew. Meanwhile some other players get some more game time instead.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Fulham – Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie; Norgaard, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Kieran King

At the moment, I think picking the Arsenal starting XI is quite straightforward. Yes, the Gunners have the best squad in the Premier League, there is no doubt about it, but Mikel Arteta has a clear set of his best players.

David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes speak for themselves, while Riccardo Calafiori would get the nod, for me, ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

It does feel as though it's one of them where Arsenal need experience - especially against Fulham's dangerous wide man - and that's why I would go for the Italian.

Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze make up the midfield three in Martin Odegaard's absence, while Mikel Merino is a doubt but would make the bench if he is available.

Moving to the front three, this is another uncomplicated selection, with Gabriel Martinelli on the left, Bukayo Saka on the right, and Viktor Gyokeres through the middle. Leandro Trossard would be on the bench.

King’s Arsenal XI vs Fulham – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres