Fulham vs Arsenal Preview

• Arsenal to win
• Both teams to score

Table-topping Arsenal continue their Premier League title pursuit as they travel across London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Gunners are in fine form and aiming to extend their impressive winning run, while Fulham enter the contest hoping to avoid a third successive defeat after a rocky spell before the international break.

Fulham endured a disappointing run leading into the international break, suffering back-to-back 3-1 defeats to Aston Villa and Bournemouth that left them in 14th position with just eight points from seven matches (W2, D2, L3). Their defensive struggles have been particularly concerning, with the Cottagers now at risk of conceding three or more goals in three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since September 2020. Coincidentally, that prior sequence included a 3-0 home defeat to Arsenal — a reminder of how ruthless the Gunners can be against vulnerable opposition.

Despite those setbacks, Marco Silva will draw confidence from Fulham’s recent home form. Craven Cottage has provided a much-needed refuge, with the hosts winning each of their last four games there in all competitions. They have shown greater attacking verve and intensity on home soil, and their ability to feed off the atmosphere could be crucial if they are to halt Arsenal’s momentum.

Nevertheless, the challenge remains steep. Fulham’s leaky defence — just one clean sheet in their last 16 league outings — leaves them exposed against one of the most balanced and clinical sides in the division. Their midfield will need to tighten up considerably to prevent Arsenal from dictating the game’s tempo and exploiting the wide areas.

Arsenal entered the international break at the Premier League summit following a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Ham, a result that extended their superb start to the campaign. That win also reinforced their dominance in London derbies, with the Gunners losing just one of their last 18 such fixtures in the top flight (W13, D4).

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have become a model of consistency, blending attacking flair with defensive resilience. Their record in 2025 speaks volumes — only three defeats in 27 Premier League matches (W15, D9), the fewest of any club during that period. The north Londoners have also been exceptional on the road, losing just one of their last 17 away league games (W9, D7), with the sole defeat coming at Anfield against defending champions Liverpool.

That form gives Arsenal every reason to approach this fixture with confidence. They have developed a knack for controlling games early, restricting opponents to minimal opportunities, and gradually wearing them down. Having faced ten or fewer shots in each of their last six league outings, their defensive structure remains one of the strongest in England, providing a platform for sustained dominance.

Head-to-Head History

This is a fixture Arsenal have long dominated. Fulham have beaten the Gunners only once in their last 14 Premier League meetings (D4, L9), and Arsenal have scored in each of their last 20 league encounters against the Cottagers.

Recent clashes have tended to produce goals, with both teams finding the net in six of the last seven league meetings. Arsenal’s attacking depth and Fulham’s home threat make another open contest likely, though history clearly favours the visitors.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Fulham have seen a pre-round league-high five of their matches stand level at half-time this season.
• The Cottagers have managed just one clean sheet in their last 16 league games.
• Arsenal have scored only one of their 14 league goals this season before the 30th minute.
• Arsenal have faced ten or fewer shots in each of their last six Premier League matches.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Alex Iwobi, a former Arsenal midfielder, has been a key figure for Fulham this term, contributing to three league goals — all at home (one goal, two assists).

His creativity and ability to exploit space between the lines will be vital if the hosts are to trouble his former club.

For Arsenal, Declan Rice has been instrumental in their midfield dominance.

He has scored or assisted in his last two league appearances and continues to thrive in London derbies, registering six goal contributions in his last seven away top-flight clashes within the capital.

On the injury front, Fulham remain without Kenny Tete and Rodrigo Muniz, both of whom are sidelined. Arsenal have several absentees of their own, with captain Martin Ødegaard and winger Noni Madueke among those unavailable, reducing Arteta’s attacking options but not diminishing the overall quality of his squad.

Betting Analysis and Prediction

Given the disparity in quality and form, Arsenal enter this London derby as heavy favourites. Their structure, control, and ability to capitalise on opponents’ mistakes make them a formidable away side. Fulham’s strong home record and attacking spirit could see them find the net, but their defensive vulnerabilities are likely to be punished by a clinical visiting attack.

With both sides having scored in six of the last seven league head-to-heads, a repeat scenario seems likely. Arsenal should ultimately prove too strong, but Fulham’s home scoring run makes Arsenal to win and both teams to score an attractive proposition for bettors.

Predicted Scoreline: Fulham 1–3 Arsenal

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Fulham v Arsenal | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview