Arsenal vs Fulham Preview
- Arsenal to win
- Merino to score
Fresh from the March international break, Arsenal return to domestic action with another London derby, this time against Fulham, at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea before the break, but despite that momentum, they remain a distant 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, making a first Premier League title in 20 years look increasingly unlikely without a major collapse at the top.
For Fulham, a humbling 3-0 FA Cup exit to Crystal Palace over the weekend brought their cup journey to an end, but with their focus now fully on the league, European qualification is still within reach.
However, a trip to the Emirates is daunting given the Gunners’ unparalleled head-to-head dominance in this fixture.
Can Arsenal continue their flawless home record against Fulham, or will Marco Silva’s men produce a historic upset to boost their European dreams?
Arsenal’s Title Hopes Fading but Home Form Still Key
Arsenal may be outside contenders in the title race, but they will be determined to keep winning, especially in front of their own fans.
Mikel Arteta’s men are currently riding the high of a narrow win over Chelsea and will look to build on that against a side they’ve historically dominated at home.
The Gunners have never lost a home league game to Fulham in their history, with a record of 24 wins and 7 draws in 31 home H2Hs. That’s the most home games one side has played against another without ever losing in English Football League history—an ominous stat for the visitors.
With Champions League football all but secured, Arsenal’s focus will be on finishing strong, keeping pressure on Liverpool, and ensuring consistency ahead of the final run-in.
Fulham’s Focus Turns Fully to the League
Fulham’s FA Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Crystal Palace was a blow, but Marco Silva now has the opportunity to focus solely on the league.
Fulham are just four points off the top four, and while a Champions League spot remains a long shot, European qualification is a genuine target.
However, consistency remains an issue, as the Cottagers have managed back-to-back league wins only once since November. Their inability to take chances—highlighted again by Silva’s criticism after the Palace defeat—continues to cost them in key moments.
One encouraging factor is Fulham’s bench strength. With 13 goals scored by substitutes this season, they’ve shown an ability to impact games late.
Only four teams in Premier League history have had more goals from subs in a single campaign, a testament to Silva’s in-game management.
Head-to-Head: A Fixture Arsenal Own
- Arsenal are unbeaten in 31 home league games against Fulham (W24, D7)
- Most home games one club has played against another without losing in EFL history
- Reverse fixture this season: Fulham 2-2 Arsenal (August 2024)
- Fulham last beat Arsenal in any competition: 2-1 win at Craven Cottage (2012)
Arsenal’s home dominance in this fixture is unmatched, but Fulham did manage a draw earlier this season, which could give them a slight psychological boost.
Key Players to Watch
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Known for clutch moments, Merino has scored three of his six Premier League goals after the 80th minute, often sealing wins. His late-game threat will be vital if Arsenal are chasing a result in the final moments.
Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham)
The former Arsenal player has a remarkable record when scoring, having been on the winning side in 19 of his last 20 goalscoring appearances (L1). He has scored five times for Fulham, and a goal at his old stomping ground would be a statement.
Prediction: Can Fulham Break the Curse?
Despite their European ambitions, Fulham face a massive task in breaking their winless curse at the Emirates. Arsenal are historically dominant in this fixture and are unbeaten at home against the Cottagers, with a strong desire to finish the season on a high.
Fulham’s away form and inconsistency, combined with Arsenal’s solid home displays and record in this derby, suggest that the Gunners will extend their streak. Expect a competitive match, but the hosts should have too much quality.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
Arsenal keep their historic H2H streak alive, while Fulham’s European push suffers a setback in North London.
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Arsenal v Fulham, 2024/25 | Premier League