Fulham vs Arsenal Preview

• Arsenal to win
• Both teams to score

This Sunday promises an electrifying encounter at Craven Cottage as Fulham host Arsenal in a high-stakes Premier League clash. Both teams come into this London derby riding a wave of confidence after securing commanding midweek victories.

Fulham defeated Brighton 3-1, while Arsenal saw off Manchester United 2-0. Let’s dive into the key talking points ahead of this much-anticipated game.

Fulham: Historic Form at Craven Cottage

Fulham’s impressive 3-1 win over Brighton on Thursday elevated them to 22 points from 14 matches – their highest-ever Premier League tally at this stage of the season.

Despite some unconvincing moments, Marco Silva’s side continues to prove their mettle, especially at Craven Cottage where they have been decent of late.

The venue has been a hub of late drama this season, with two goals scored after the 75th minute in each of Fulham’s last three home matches. Remarkably, all seven Premier League games at Craven Cottage this term have seen both teams find the back of the net.

Fulham fans will fondly remember last December when their team pulled off a 2-1 victory against Arsenal at home, breaking an 11-match winless streak against the Gunners (D3, L8).

That result could serve as a psychological boost for the Cottagers, who will be keen to replicate that upset.

Arsenal: Ruthless and Ready

Arsenal’s resurgence since the last international break has been nothing short of remarkable. Their midweek 2-0 victory over Manchester United marked their fourth consecutive win by a margin of two or more goals.

A key feature of Arsenal’s dominance has been their proficiency from set-pieces, with an eye-catching 41 goals scored from corners since the start of the 2021/22 season – seven more than any other team in that period. The Gunners don’t seem like stopping their corners anytime soon though.

The Gunners have also excelled on their travels, scoring an astonishing ten goals in their last two away matches, eight of which came before half-time.

Mikel Arteta’s side boasts an enviable record in London derbies, having gone unbeaten in such fixtures away from home since May 2022 (W12, D3, L2). With a wealth of attacking options and a relentless style of play, Arsenal are firm favourites heading into this fixture.

Key Players to Watch

Alex Iwobi (Fulham)

A former Arsenal player, Alex Iwobi is enjoying a standout season for Fulham. With two goals against Brighton midweek, Iwobi has directly contributed to eight goals this season, already surpassing his tally from the entirety of last term. His creativity and eye for goal will be crucial for Fulham against his former club.

Jürrien Timber (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s Jürrien Timber is making waves this season, netting his first goal for the club in midweek. More impressively, Arsenal have won all seven matches in which Timber has scored, underlining his importance to Arteta’s setup.

Tactical Insights

Fulham’s Approach

Expect Marco Silva to emphasise defensive solidity and quick transitions. Fulham’s ability to strike late and capitalise on home advantage could prove pivotal.

The form of Iwobi and their knack for scoring at Craven Cottage adds to their attacking threat.

Arsenal’s Game Plan

Mikel Arteta will likely stick to Arsenal’s high-tempo, possession-based approach. With their proficiency from set-pieces and clinical finishing in the first half of games, the Gunners will look to exploit Fulham’s vulnerabilities early on.

Match Prediction

Given Arsenal’s red-hot form and their impressive record in London derbies, they are favourites to take all three points.

However, Fulham’s resilience at home and the unpredictability of derbies could make this a tighter contest than expected.

Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Arsenal

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Fulham v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League