Arsenal vs Fulham: Premier League Preview and Prediction
Arsenal are back in Premier League action today as they host Fulham at the Emirates. The Gunners are off the back of a hard fought win over Chelsea and will be looking to close the gap on Liverpool, while Fulham will be looking to bounce back from their FA Cup disappointment.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is “ready to go” after his hamstring injury and may be eased back in. Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are out for the season, while Riccardo Calafiori is also sidelined. Jurrien Timber is fit and will play.
Arteta is expected to stick with a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on control in midfield and attacking width.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Saka’s return boosts the attack. Martin Odegaard will play in midfield, and Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino will be the top goal-stampers.
Fulham
Marco Silva’s side will be without Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete due to injury, while Reiss Nelson is not eligible to play against his parent club. Silva will play a 4-2-3-1 and will look to be solid at the back and in counter attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Willian; Jimenez.
Raul Jimenez will lead the line for Fulham with Emile Smith Rowe and Willian in creative roles. Antonee Robinson will be key defensively against Arsenal’s attack.
Key Stats
-
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 17 home matches against Fulham in all competitions.
-
Fulham are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games against Arsenal.
-
Arsenal have won all seven of their previous Premier League matches played on April 1st.
-
Antonee Robinson has made 50 interceptions this season—the joint-highest in the league alongside Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool.
Player to Watch
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka’s return is a big boost for Arsenal as they have big games coming up. Whether he starts or comes off the bench he’s a game changer and the fans will be excited to see him in action as Arsenal look to get three points against Fulham.
Arsenal vs Fulham Prediction
Arsenal’s home advantage and form make them favourites for this one. Fulham have shown resilience against the Gunners in recent meetings but Mikel Arteta’s side should have enough to win and keep the momentum going ahead of their Real Madrid Champions League tie.
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Arsenal vs Fulham Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
