It’s Friday lunchtime as I am writing this preview. I’ve received my email with my ticket this morning, and I’ve just had a notification my new Third Kit has arrived. The excitement is truly here.
I cannot wait for my first home game of the 23/24 season. Finally it has come, and I for one expect a dominant display once more, but a big scoreline to too!
Predicted Lineup
Once again and much like last week. Expect a man for man replacement for Tomiyasu in the form of Zinchenko. The formation would remain the same, whilst Gabriel still has to work on his fitness to last a full 90. Understandably frustrating however against inferior opposition, we should manage.
Mikel is experimenting still with the Pivot of Partey at RB and shifting in CM when in possession. This in turn allows Ben White who starts at CB to move to his now favoured RB role. To then cover this Declan Rice drops deeper into the pivot as either CDM or CB if Tomiyasu ventures forward on the overlap.
Now I could be wrong with the above, but if that’s the case, then Zinchenko must fall into the Gabriel bracket of not being fit enough for a full 90 minutes. If this is true, then the young Polishman Jakub Kiwior will be starting at LB. He is pacey, strong and great with the ball at his feet. Does this mean he can come across at LCM. Certainly not. Expect a more traditional approach with the odd overlap on the wing with Martinelli. This in turn allowing the right hand side to flourish with the Ben White and Partey Pivot at RB to CM.
Fulham Overview:
Arsenal are up against a weakened Fulham side. Last seasons they arguably overachieved with the squad they had. Finishing in a respectable 10th in the league. Right bang in the middle and just 9 points off a European spot. However this new Fulham without the goal threat of Mitrovic and their Captain unavailable following his sending off in their game to Brentford.
History is also on the side of the Gunners. With Fulham having never won an away match against Arsenal in any competition (D6, L25), including all 30 league fixtures. It’s the most one team has faced another away from home without winning in English league history.
The Keys to Winning
Once again Arsenal are coming up against an opponent who will look to play with a deep low block in order to frustrate the creative players in this Arsenal side. Fulham’s main hope is to utilise pace from their wingers and hope to be productive on the counter attack. This has been the way Arsenal have become undone in their past 2 premier league games. When the midfield lack some focus and go into a training mode when in a dominant position and get caught out as a result.
Therefore once again, Arsenal must be ruthless. With the passion of 60,000 Gunners alongside them cheering them on. Mikel’s men must show force here and really go for the jugular. Nothing more than a convincing high scoring win is required.
Surely with the home advantage Arsenal will start strong and aggressive. But should this faulter and the low block prove effect. Once again I expect early substitution appearances for Leandro Trossard, Emile Smith-Rowe, Fabio Vieira or even Reiss Nelson to be impactful pacey and aggressive forward players.
Conclusion
I will be there no matter what! Cheering on the boys as they dominate possession and play some liquid football. Reliving the glory days of Wengerball. It will take some quick tiki taka to break a low block and that will be the outcome for the first goal. Likely a well worked 15+ passes attack starting from the back ending with an Eddie Nketiah tap in. From there Arsenal will go for the kill with the home crowd carrying them through. My boldest prediction, a Kai Havertz first goal for the Arsenal.
Predicted POTM: Declan Rice
Result: 4 – 0
Suggested Bet: Eddie Nketiah Anytime Goal Scorer
Written by Reekesh Somaroo