Prediction: Fulham vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to make up some ground in the Premier League title chase, Arsenal will travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon when they meet Fulham.

Fulham

Starting with the hosts, while Fulham might have opened December with back-to-back 5-0 romps against Nottingham Forest and West Ham, Marco Silva’s men have largely come crashing back down to earth. Last seen on Boxing Day putting in a nightmare performance as they slumped to a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of Bournemouth, the one-time Watford boss has seen his squad lose all of their previous three Premier League appearances. With their recent issues highlighted by a toothless 2-0 defeat at home against Burnley earlier in the month, Fulham have also shown some worrying defensive issues. Losing all of their previous three top-flight outings by an aggregate score of 8-0, it should also be noted that Silva’s downbeat squad have not notched a single strike in over 270 minutes of Premier League action. Although Arsenal might be in the midst of their own recent blip, the Cottagers will certainly face a stern examination here.

Team News

Once again missing out away at Bournemouth on Boxing Day and dealing with a recent muscle injury, Fulham are once again sweating over the fitness of former Arsenal attacker Willian. Likewise, not making a single appearance since returning from November’s international break, Adama Traore will not feature here.

However, after serving a three-match suspension, Mexico international Raul Jimenez should make a full return at Craven Cottage. Ex-Leicester defender Timothy Castagne could replace Kenny Tete at right-back.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have once again gained a string of plaudits this season, Arsenal are enduring what has been a recent inconsistent rut. Last seen earlier in the week putting in a toothless display as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at home against London rivals West Ham, Mikel Arteta’s men also missed out on the chance to climb back to the top of the Premier League table. Likewise, including a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa on December 9th, Arsenal have remarkably won just one of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Desperate to claim a welcomed boost when they travel across the capital on Sunday afternoon, Arteta will also be calling on his squad to find some crucial defensive defensive resolve. Despite snatching a stunning 4-3 victory away at relegation scrappers Luton on December 5th, the Gunners have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last seven outings.

Team News

While Thomas Partey might be inching towards a return from his long-term muscle injury, the former Atletico Madrid midfield is still a real doubt here. Likewise, Arteta’s men will also be unable to call upon the trio of Jurrien Timber, Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu this weekend.

However, serving a one-match suspension against West Ham earlier in the week, German international Kai Havertz could be handed a full return here. Despite drawing back-to-back blanks, Gabriel Jesus should once again be trusted to lead Arsenal’s charge at Craven Cottage.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fulham and Arsenal met for their reverse Premier League meeting on August 26th, Sunday’s opponents played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
• The Gunners have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
• Fulham have lost all of their previous three Premier League matchups on the spin by an aggregate score of 8-0.
• Arsenal have recorded just a single win from any of their last seven appearances across all formats.
• Arteta’s side have won all of their last five straight trips to Craven Cottage.

Conclusion

Putting in a nightmare performance earlier in the week as they slumped to a 2-0 loss against West Ham, Arsenal have the feel of a squad seeking a recent boost. While the Gunners might have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions, they will be excited by a rampant record at Craven Cottage. Including a 3-0 victory when they last travelled to west London back on March 12th, Arsenal have won all of their previous five straight trips to Fulham. Desperate to make up some ground in the title chase, we are backing an away win here.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster