Martin Odegaard implores Arsenal to enjoy season climax
Arsenal Football Newsletter
It is a crucial match in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal having the chance to go six points clear of rivals Manchester City, who don’t go to Everton until Monday night, but it also comes in the middle of the two legs of their Champions League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid.
Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze both started on the bench for the first-leg draw in Spain on Wednesday night but come into the starting lineup this evening.
Saka has not started a match since the Carabao Cup final in March but after two cameos as a substitute, Arsenal now need him to find his best form again.
Odegaard came off early in the second half against Atletico having had some treatment on more knee discomfort before the break.
Arsenal will desperately hope that is not another big injury concern, with Arteta saying only “let’s see” when asked on Friday if his captain would be available against Fulham.
The Norwegian, as such, is not in the squad for this match.
There is a change at full-back, with Riccardo Calafiori offering fresh legs and a chance to rest Piero Hincapie on the left of defence.
Unfamiliar role: Bukayo Saka came on as an Arsenal substitute against both Newcastle and Atletico Madrid
Arteta has consistently stuck with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield. Myles Lewis-Skelly came off the bench to get some minutes in the middle against Newcastle, and he is handed a rare start - in midfield - here.
Kai Havertz is sidelined again with the muscle injury that kept him out of the Atletico clash, though he could return for the second leg on Tuesday.
Also missing against Fulham is Jurrien Timber, who is yet to return to full first-team training following an ankle injury that has seen him miss the last nine games across all competitions. As such, Ben White continues at right-back.
Mikel Merino also remains out as he works his way back from surgery on a rare foot injury, though appears to be ahead of schedule and could play again this season.
Starting Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
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Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, Hincapiem, Jesus, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Zubimendi, Dowman
Injured: Timber, Havertz, Merino
Time and date: 5.30pm BST on Saturday May 2, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports