Bukayo Saka’s Status, Ben White Selected, and Striker Choice Confirmed – Arsenal Line-up vs. Fulham

Arsenal returns to action after a two-week break, having watched four teams progress to the FA Cup semi-finals. Both Mikel Arteta and Josh Kroenke have emphasized their desire to secure major trophies, especially following the appointment of Andrea Berta as the new sporting director.

However, the biggest talking point for many is the return of Bukayo Saka and how best to reintegrate him into the squad. Should Arteta rush him back into action if he’s ready, as Arteta seems to suggest, or should he be gradually reintegrated to ensure he’s fully prepared for the upcoming Real Madrid clash?

With Saka’s return on the horizon, it raises questions about who will make way for him, and who will start on the left side. Will Mikel Merino continue as the main striker, or will changes be made? Our football London writers share their thoughts on the ideal lineup.

Tom Canton

If Saka’s ready, then he’s ready. Listening to Mikel Arteta confidently state, “Bukayo is ready to go!” was one of the most exciting moments I’ve heard from him.

The prospect of a front three featuring Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and the depth of talent from Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri is thrilling. For now, I would keep Mikel Merino in the striker role, as he’s been in excellent form with two goals in his last two appearances for club and country.

Jurrien Timber, having recovered from illness, should slot back in alongside his usual center-back partners. At left-back, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has recently been called up to the England senior team, should carry his confidence into this tough match against Fulham.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Fulham: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.

Joe Doyle

At last, Bukayo Saka is back, and Mikel Arteta faces a key decision: should he start him or ease him back into the game? Given that Real Madrid is up next, I’d lean towards caution and start Saka on the bench, giving him around 30 minutes to get back into the rhythm.

First things first, the defense. David Raya takes the goalkeeping spot, and with Jurrien Timber’s illness behind him, I believe Ben White deserves a start at right-back. The central defenders will be Gabriel and William Saliba, while Myles Lewis-Skelly should start at left-back.

In midfield, I’m going with a solid trio: Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard. While there’s an option to include Ethan Nwaneri in midfield, I’m opting to rest Saka, so I’d have the young talent start on the right wing. Not a fan of Mikel Merino in the forward role, so I’d have Leandro Trossard play as a false nine, with Gabriel Martinelli providing pace on the left.

Joe’s Arsenal XI vs Fulham: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli.