Fulham vs Arsenal
It is this type of game which has undermined Arsenal in the Premier League in recent seasons.
Last year, when victory was essential, they could only manage a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.
The previous season they were pegged back, conceding a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates before losing 2-1 by the Thames four months later.
Such a repeat result is not an option Mikel Arteta and his players will want to countenance this time.
The Gunners come into the contest off the back of the international break with a one point lead at the summit, an excellent position to be in considering they were five points off the pace a fortnight previously.
But, of course, that also shows how the picture can change quickly in either direction.
Talking Points
Certainly, the Arsenal boss will not allow complacency to creep into the dressing room after a fine run of results which have, so far, included victories at Man Utd and Newcastle, along with a draw at home to Man City – the latter two results secured by last gasp goals which demonstrate the character in abundance.
All this amidst a number of key injuries.
The latest is a big worry and it’s hoped influential captain Martin Odegaard can recover quickly from the knee ligament damage which led to his early exit from their 2-0 victory at home to West Ham nearly a fortnight ago, since when he has been ruled out for at least another month.
He joins Kai Havertz (knee), Gabriel Jesus (knee) and Noni Madueke on the sidelines, while defender Ben White was unable to train on Thursday, raising concerns amongst the Gunners faithful.
As for Fulham, delivering Premier League 2025 highlights, particularly against the big boys, must get harder with each passing season, especially when opponents strengthen and the Cottagers struggle to keep hold of their top talent.
Like Arsenal, they have their own injury woes with Sasa Lukic reportedly now out for a minimum of four weeks, Samuel Chukwueze picking up a knock playing for Nigeria and suggestions Raul Jimenez is not yet ready to return from a hip problem.
Unlike Arsenal, they don’t have the same depth of cover.
Their last outing saw them take the lead before going down to a 3-1 defeat at a resurgent Bournemouth. It is a result which has left them 14th in the table and they will be looking fairly anxiously over their shoulders and keen to avoid getting pulled into a possible scrap down near the foot of the table.
On saying all of that, I do think they will be fine as long as they avoid injuries and suspensions which have the capacity to really damage those with smaller squads.
Manager Marco Silva will, once more, look to the likes of Alex Iwobi to inspire the team, one of three former Gunners likely to be in the hosts’ starting line-up alongside Bernd Leno and Emile Smith-Rowe.
History
Overall, Arsenal have tasted victory 43 times in this fixture compared to 13 Fulham successes and nine draws.
The Cottagers have been a real thorn in their side of late, however.
Last season, the meeting in west London ended 1-1 as Jimenez and William Saliba traded goals.
The previous campaign was even better for Fulham who significantly damaged the Gunners title bid.
A 2-2 draw at the Emirates was secured by a late goal from Bayern Munich midfielder Palhinha – all this after Andreas Pereira’s first minute opener was cancelled out by two goals in three minutes from Bukayo Saka (penalty) and Eddie Nketiah.
Then during the festive period, Fulham recovered from falling behind to an early Saka goal to win 2-1 with Jimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid the marksmen.
Their most recent meeting, at the Emirates in April, went the way of Arsenal as goals from Mikel Merino and Saka sealed a 2-1 win, with Rodrigo Muniz replying late on.
Fulham and Arsenal first met in February 1904 when the then Woolwich Arsenal were 3-2 winners in the FA Cup at the Manor Ground in Plumstead.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP Premier League 2025 betting odds back the visitors, as do I.
They range from 1X2 @ 1.50 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.96 with Fulham priced much further adrift, including 1X2 @ 5.70 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.25.
The Draw is on offer @ 3.86, with a re-run of the corresponding meeting last year up for grabs @ 7.50 with Correct Score 1-1.
I do expect goals and both teams are attractive to watch.
I just think Arsenal will get more of them.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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