Off from their arm-wrestle draw against Atletico Madrid in Champions League semi-final first leg in Spain, Arsenal return to Premier League action this evening, welcoming West Londoners Fulham to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners sit top of the standings with a three-point cushion, but have played one game more than title challengers Manchester City. They could tentatively extend this lead at the top to six points with a win this evening while awaiting result from City’s game vs Everton on Monday day. What are their chances against the Cottagers? Stay tuned as we dive into further details and then our verdict.
Match Preview
Arsenal are once again on the crossroads in their Premier League title charge this season. The Gunners had seemed poised for another disappointing finish in the title race after back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth and challengers Manchester City saw them lose their hold on the top spot for the first time in several months.
However, they were able to return to track with a crucial and narrow 1–0 win against Newcastle United last time out, thanks to Eberechi Eze’s ninth-minute sensational effort. That result saw them open a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Interestingly, the North Londoners could move six points clear this evening, albeit having played two more games than Man City. And that will pile pressure on their title rivals, providing a significant psychological boost with only a few games remaining.
They have picked up a season-leading 41 points across their 17 home games this season from 13 wins, two draws and two defeats.
Meanwhile, Fulham, ensconced in mid-table with 48 points, also have a lot to play for in this evening’s contest. The Cottagers are firmly in contention for European football next season, sitting just one point away from seventh-placed Bournemouth and two points adrift of sixth-placed Brighton.
Marco Silva’s men ground out a crucial 1–0 victory over Aston Villa last week, thanks to Ryan Sessegnon’s 43rd-minute goal. That result strengthened their bid for European football next season and saw them go unbeaten in four of their last five games (with the only defeat coming against Liverpool).
However, an air of uncertainty still hangs over their apparent resurgence. They haven’t scored in four of their last six matches, including in their last three road trips. And of course, they stand little chance of breaking this duck against an Arsenal side known for their stout defense. But how have they fared against Arsenal overall?
Arsenal vs Fulham Head-to-head
Arsenal have dominated Fulham in their previous encounters. The last time the Gunners tasted defeat against Fulham was in 2023. They have won both of their recent two meetings, including a hard-fought 1–0 away victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Overall, Arsenal have lost just one of their last 15 matchups against Fulham, winning 10, and drawing four. Additionally, the Gunners remain unbeaten at home against the Cottagers in their last 32 meetings – the longest unbeaten home record against an opponent in the Premier League.
Arsenal vs Fulham team News/Potential Lineup
Arsenal missed Bukayo Saka for scores of games due to injury, but now have the English winger back in the fold ready to start.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz remains a doubt after he suffered an injury against Newcastle United and didn’t travel with the squad for their Champions League trip to Spain.
Viktor Gyokeres is available to return to the attack for the team, with Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard anchoring the midfield.
Fulham are likely to struggle in the attack against the Gunners with Ryan Sessegnon out with a hamstring injury. Nigeria international Alex Iwobi will also be absent from the Cottagers’ lineup due to injury.
MySportDab Verdict
Fulham are clearly on the back foot heading into this clash. We doubt they will break their enduring winless run in past trips to face Arsenal. Hence, we going for an Arsenal win here. Our exact pick: Arsenal 2–0 Fulham.
