Arteta to make two changes vs Fulham as £48m Arsenal star returns to starting XI – opinion

Mikel Arteta looks set to make two crucial changes to his starting lineup as Arsenal prepare to face Fulham this weekend — and all eyes are on one returning star worth £48 million who’s ready to light up the Emirates again.

After a run of intense fixtures before the international break, the Gunners are back in action with renewed energy and a few tactical adjustments up Arteta’s sleeve. The Arsenal boss has been particularly cautious with his rotation policy in recent weeks, ensuring his key players stay sharp without burning out — but now, with Fulham visiting North London, he’s expected to call back one of his most dynamic forwards.

The £48m man in question is Gabriel Martinelli, who was rested in the previous game to recover from fatigue and minor muscle tightness. Now fully fit, the Brazilian winger is expected to replace Leandro Trossard on the left flank, injecting pace, unpredictability, and that signature directness that often leaves defenders scrambling. Martinelli’s numbers speak for themselves — four goals and one assist in his last seven appearances.

Arteta has long valued Martinelli’s relentless energy and pressing ability, especially in matches against teams that prefer to sit deep and counter. Against Fulham, whose defensive shape has often struggled under pressure, Martinelli’s return could be decisive. His chemistry with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka has been one of Arsenal’s greatest attacking weapons, and Arteta is keen to reunite that trio once more.

The other major change is likely to come in midfield, where Martin Ødegaard’s injury has forced Arteta to rethink his structure. The Norwegian playmaker has been sidelined with a minor foot problem, leaving a creative void in Arsenal’s build-up play. To address this, Arteta is considering handing Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira a start in the advanced midfield role. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance in limited minutes this season, but neither has truly nailed down a consistent starting position.

Sources close to the club suggest that Smith Rowe might get the nod due to his improved fitness and his impressive cameos in recent matches. The Hale End graduate offers vertical runs and quick transitions that fit perfectly with Arteta’s high-tempo system. Vieira, however, remains a strong alternative if Arteta prefers a more technical option.

Defensively, Arsenal are expected to remain unchanged. The partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has been rock-solid, while Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko continue to provide width and fluidity in build-up play. David Raya will likely retain his place between the sticks after another confident performance before the break.

In midfield, Declan Rice remains the anchor. His leadership, composure, and range of passing have been invaluable since his arrival. The £105m signing has quickly become the heartbeat of Arteta’s side — dictating tempo and breaking lines with effortless precision. His battle against Fulham’s João Palhinha will be one of the key duels of the match.

Fulham, meanwhile, arrive at the Emirates struggling for consistency. Marco Silva’s men have shown flashes of resilience but remain vulnerable against top sides, especially away from home. Arsenal, who sit near the top of the Premier League table, will see this match as a chance to close the gap on leaders Manchester City or even reclaim first place, depending on other results.

Arteta’s decision to bring Martinelli back could not be more timely. The Brazilian’s explosiveness on the left can stretch defenses, creating more space for Saka on the opposite flank and for Jesus to operate centrally. With Ødegaard missing, that width and directness will be even more essential to Arsenal’s attacking balance.

The Emirates crowd will be eager to see how the team responds after the break. With renewed energy, tactical flexibility, and Martinelli back in the XI, Arsenal look ready to put on a statement performance. Arteta knows every point matters as the title race heats up — and this weekend could mark the start of another strong run.

🔥 Prediction: Expect Martinelli to make a big impact on his return. Arsenal 3-1 Fulham.