Hincapie debut, Odegaard replacement and Gyokeres pressure – Dream Arsenal XI vs Fulham

Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekendas they travel to Craven Cottageto take on Fulham. Sitting top of the table, the chance to extend their lead is a real possibility with Liverpool taking on their fierce rivals Manchester United.

The mood is high after solid international performances from several of Mikel Arteta’s stars, with goals from Bukayo Saka, Max Dowman, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while Martin Zubimendi also continues to impress for La Roja.

But there has been bad news regarding the club captain, Martin Odegaard, who is expected to be out for at least the forthcoming run of games before the next international break.

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With that in mind, football.london looks at what a dream line-up might look like for the next London derby of the season. David Raya continues in goal following his ongoing battle with Unai Simon for the Spanish national side.

The usual three: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes—continue in the back line. However, Piero Hincapie could make his Premier League debut, as Arteta has confirmed he will be back after the international break.

With Riccardo Calafiori already on three yellow cards, it could take some of the pressure off the Italian. Myles Lewis-Skelly is also another option.

Zubimendi will start in the midfield, and Declan Rice will naturally join him in the double pivot. Replacing Odegaard is Eberechi Eze, who could make the role his own in place of the absent skipper.

Having set up the chance for Rice after his deflected shot against West Ham fell at the midfielder’s feet, Eze will want to get his first league goal for his new side. He helped Crystal Palace to a 2-0 away win at Fulham last season.

Up top, being away from home, this could be the game for Gabriel Martinelli to be able to hit Fulham on the counter. While both Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka look to further their own goalscoring tallies for the season.

Gyokeres blanked again for his country as Sweden continued to struggle with Alexander Isak also failing to score. Hopefully, a return to domestic action surrounded by better service can spark an upturn in form for Arsenal's summer signing.

Dream Arsenal XI vs Fulham – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli