Introduction
It will indeed be a frenzied couple of days in the Premier League this weekend as Fulham hosts Arsenal in a mouth-watering London derby at Craven Cottage, with both sides fresher from impressive midweek wins. Arsenal are aiming to keep their winning streak, while Fulham would need to keep pushing forward into qualifying for Europe. Here is all the information you may want regarding the match: Prediction, Team News and Line-ups.
Match Preview
Arsenal’s Set-Pieces Supremacy
Arsenal were highly efficient with set-pieces in their midweek game as they beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates. Goals by both Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, assisted in corners, underlined a tactical masterclass by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. The win sealed a fourth straight victory on all fronts for Arsenal, which cut the lead on league leaders Liverpool to seven points.
The Gunners’ prowess in London derbies continues to impress, with seven wins in their last eight Premier League matches against fellow capital teams. However, their last visit to Craven Cottage—a 2-1 defeat on New Year’s Eve 2023—remains a sore spot they aim to rectify.
Fulham’s European Aspirations
Fulham go into this fixture flying, following their victory against Brighton 3-1 and inspired by a phenomenal performance by Alex Iwobi. That result boosted their qualification chances in Europe to sixth position with one point from Brighton and four points from Manchester City, in fourth place.
Marco Silva’s men have scored in 15 back-to-back matches in all competitions – a streak that shows how consistently they are performing in front of goal. However, the frailties in their backline persist, as Fulham have yet to record a clean sheet at home this season.
Fulham also boasts an unbeaten record in their last eight London derbies, a streak they’ll hope to extend against the Gunners.
Team News
Arsenal
The Gunners may remain without Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes, both of whom missed the midweek clash with Manchester United. Long-term absentees Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will also sit out.
Manager Mikel Arteta could ring a few changes ahead of their Champions League fixture against Monaco midweek. Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino could make cases for starts, as Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko could lose their spots if Calafori and Gabriel return to the team.
Possible Starting XI:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Fulham
Fulham have a number of injury worries, with on-loan Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson ruled out through injury and ineligibility against his parent club. Harrison Reed (knee) and Joachim Andersen (calf) remain out, while Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon need late fitness checks. Captain Tom Cairney is suspended, but Sasa Lukic returns to boost the midfield.
Possible Starting XI:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Prediction
In each of Fulham’s seven Premier League home games this season, both teams have scored, and there is little to suggest this derby will be any different. While Fulham’s attacking form is to be admired, better quality from Arsenal in set-pieces and overall should see them through.
Final Score Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
