This Sunday, Arsenal head to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in a tantalizing Premier League London derby. The Gunners, riding high on a wave of good form, are looking to extend their winning streak and strengthen their case for title contention. Meanwhile, Fulham, a resilient and tactically astute side under Marco Silva, will look to frustrate Arsenal and make a statement against their cross-town rivals.
For Arsenal fans gearing up to watch the game, here’s everything you need to know about the fixture, including likely lineups, key players, tactical expectations, and what to watch for as the Gunners aim to continue their impressive run.
**Current Form: Why This Game Matters**
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**Arsenal**
Arsenal have been in superb form, winning their last four Premier League matches. Their most recent outing, a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, showcased a balance of attacking efficiency and defensive solidity that has become synonymous with Mikel Arteta’s side this season. With players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka in peak form, Arsenal have been a joy to watch.
A win at Craven Cottage would not only extend the Gunners’ streak but also reinforce their credentials as genuine title contenders. Arsenal are currently among the top-scoring sides in the league, with a front three that has been nearly unstoppable.
**Fulham**
Fulham, on the other hand, have quietly climbed to sixth place in the league table. They’ve managed this through disciplined defensive displays and timely contributions from players like Alex Iwobi and João Palhinha. Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Brighton last week was a reminder of their potential to punch above their weight, especially at home.
However, their record against Arsenal is daunting. While Fulham secured a rare win in this fixture last season, the Gunners have historically dominated, winning 41 of the 60 league meetings between the two sides. Arsenal fans will be hoping their team can reassert their superiority in this derby.
**Injury News: Who’s In and Who’s Out**
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Injuries and fitness issues are likely to shape how both teams line up:
* **Arsenal:**
* **Ben White:** Out with a knee injury.
* **Takehiro Tomiyasu:** Also sidelined.
* **Gabriel Magalhães:** A doubt after missing the win over Manchester United; fitness will be assessed closer to kickoff.
* **Fulham:**
* **Reiss Nelson:** Ineligible to face his parent club due to Premier League loan rules.
* **Tom Cairney:** Suspended for this fixture.
**Likely Arsenal Lineup**
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With injuries to key defenders, Mikel Arteta will need to tweak his setup. Arsenal are expected to line up in their usual 4-3-3 formation:
* **Goalkeeper:** David Raya
* **Defenders:** Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães (if fit), Riccardo Calafiori
* **Midfield:** Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard
* **Attack:** Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz
This XI strikes a balance between defensive solidity and attacking firepower, with Timber offering versatility at right-back and Calafiori adding width on the left.
**Key Players to Watch**
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**Arsenal**
* **Bukayo Saka:** Arsenal’s talisman continues to impress with his pace, creativity, and ability to deliver in key moments. Saka has been particularly effective in London derbies, and Fulham will need to devote significant resources to contain him.
* **Martin Ødegaard:** The captain’s influence cannot be overstated. From orchestrating play to scoring clutch goals, Ødegaard’s vision will be critical in breaking down Fulham’s compact setup.
* **Jurrien Timber:** A versatile defender, Timber’s ability to combine defensive solidity with progressive ball movement makes him a key asset. His overlapping runs and composure under pressure will be crucial in both nullifying Fulham’s wide threats and supporting Arsenal’s attacking play.
**Fulham**
* **Alex Iwobi:** The former Arsenal midfielder has thrived under Marco Silva. Iwobi’s ability to drift into dangerous spaces and link up with Raúl Jiménez makes him a key player for the hosts.
* **João Palhinha:** Fulham’s midfield anchor will look to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. His physicality and reading of the game make him a vital cog in Fulham’s defensive strategy.
* **Raúl Jiménez:** Fulham’s primary goal threat, Jiménez will test Arsenal’s center-backs with his aerial ability and sharp movement in the box.
**Tactical Battle: Where the Game Will Be Won**
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**Fulham’s Approach**
Fulham will aim to keep things tight at the back while exploiting Arsenal on the counter. Marco Silva is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Palhinha sitting deep to protect the backline and wingers Harry Wilson and Iwobi tasked with providing the attacking width. Fulham’s game plan will revolve around denying Arsenal time and space in the middle of the pitch while looking to capitalize on set-pieces and quick transitions.
**Arsenal’s Approach**
Arteta’s side will look to dominate possession and stretch Fulham’s defense through wide play. With Saka and Martinelli providing pace and trickery on the flanks, Arsenal will try to create overloads and isolate Fulham’s fullbacks. The midfield trio of Partey, Rice, and Ødegaard offers a blend of defensive cover, ball progression, and creative spark.
Defensively, Arsenal’s center-backs must be vigilant against Jiménez’s movement, while Timber and Calafiori will need to balance their attacking instincts with defensive responsibilities against Fulham’s wingers.
**Head-to-Head: Recent History**
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Arsenal have an impressive record against Fulham, with 41 wins in 60 league meetings. However, last season’s corresponding fixture saw Fulham claim a rare victory, defeating Arsenal 2-1 at Craven Cottage. The Gunners will be determined to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.
**What To Look Out For**
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1. **How Will Arsenal Handle Fulham’s Counterattacks?**
Fulham’s strength lies in their ability to transition quickly. Arsenal’s midfield and defensive line must stay compact to neutralize this threat.
2. **Wide Play Dominance:**
Saka and Martinelli will play crucial roles in stretching Fulham’s backline. Watch for their interplay with Ødegaard and overlapping runs from Calafiori.
3. **Gabriel Magalhães’ Fitness:**
If Gabriel starts, Arsenal’s defense will look significantly more solid. His absence would force a reshuffle that Fulham may try to exploit.
**Match Prediction**
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This is a game Arsenal should win, but it won’t be easy. Fulham’s disciplined setup and home crowd will test the Gunners’ patience. However, Arsenal’s quality in attack and midfield depth should ultimately prevail.
**Prediction:** Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
**Conclusion**
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Arsenal fans tuning in for Sunday’s derby can expect an engaging contest. Fulham will bring intensity and defensive grit, but Arsenal’s firepower, led by Saka, Martinelli, and Ødegaard, gives them the edge. With three points on the line and momentum in Arsenal’s favor, this match is another chance for the Gunners to prove their title credentials.
