Fulham vs Arsenal: Team news and predicted lineups

Check out the team news and predicted line-ups as Fulham welcome Arsenal in the very first fixture of the 20/21 Premier League season.

The 2020/21 Premier League campaign kicks off with an early London derby. Newly-promoted Fulham welcome Arsenal to the Craven Cottage.

The Gunners finished last season in good spirits with a record 14th FA Cup win. They have carried on the momentum to this season with a Community Shield win over Liverpool.

Arteta has been busy in the transfer market thus far, strengthening the defence with the signings of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Elsewhere, he brought in midfield additions with Willian and fan favourite Dani Ceballos.

Fulham have embarked on an equally steep trajectory in the past nine months. The Cottagers secured an immediate return to the top flight after beating Brentford in the Championship Play-Off final.

Fulham also brought in Alphonse Areola and Kenny Tete although of the Gunners to Craven Cottage is something of a baptism of fire.

We take a look at how both teams could lineup.

Fulham

Parker is blessed with no new injury concerns ahead of his first ever Premier League match as a manager.

Areola could make his first start in goal, while former Southampton duo Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed could start in midfield alongside club captain Tom Cairney.

Although Tete signed in time to play against Arsenal, the versatile and dependable Dennis Odoi is expected to start at right-back.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has said he would keep the core of his team from last season. So, not many changes are expected from the 39-year-old.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has something of a more difficult team selection process after a host of injuries to his defenders.

David Luiz is a doubt for the game after sustaining a neck injury, meaning William Saliba could get his first start alongside Rob Holding in defence.

Gabriel Martinelli, Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi are all long-term injury problems, while Bernd Leno is set to start in goal.

Emiliano Martinez is on his way to Aston Villa and the Gunners could yet bring in Brentford’s Raya as his replacement.

Upfront, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to continue on the left-hand side for the Gunners. Nicolas Pepe could start on the right and Alexandre Lacazette could play as the target man.