Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium to battle Fulham as they aim to make it three consecutive wins for the 2023/24 season.
The Gunners defeated Crystal Palace on Monday, August 21, 2023, and they will be hoping to continue in that stead when they face Marco Silva’s side.
In what will be a back-to-back London derby for both sides, they will be battling for pride as much as they will be battling for 3 points.
Arsenal defeated South East London-based Crystal Palace by 1-0 in their second game of the season and they are set to entertain West London-based Fulham on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
For Fulham, they lost to London-based Brentford at Craven Cottage by 3-0, and they will be hoping to bounce back against Arsenal.
Marco Silva’s side currently sits 13th on the Premier League table with three points, 2 points above 14th, and 15th placed Bournemouth and Chelsea.
The Cottagers also witnessed the exit of fiery forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who penned a three-year deal with Al Hilal on August 19, 2023.
Before his departure, Fulham had acquired his replacement in former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez.
However, Jiménez hasn’t scored a goal in two Premier League games for the Craven Cottage side.
Arsenal against Fulham head-to-head
Arsenal defeated Fulham in both meetings last season, and they will be looking to continue in that impressive fashion.
The Cottagers statistically aren’t a match for Arsenal as in the last 14 meetings between the two teams, the Gunners have won 9, while Fulham won only 1.
Both teams have shared the spoils on four occasions, but these stats indicate that Mikel Arteta’s side are overwhelming favorites going into that game on Saturday, August 27, 2023.
The 2023/24 Premier League runners-up are aiming for the league crown and they have made needed reinforcements that could assist them in their chase for the title.
Fulham have also made needed additions, and they will be hoping that those signings can help them finish in a higher position than last term.
Marco Silva’s side finished 10th in the Premier League last term, 7 points away from European football places.
The Cottagers have signed Calvin Bassey, Raúl Jiménez, and former Barcelona forward Adama Traoré.
Team News For Arsenal
Full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu will not be available for the game against Fulham, having picked up a red card against Crystal Palace.
He will be joining the injured Jurrien Timber, on the absentee list for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Gabriel Jesus and Folarin Balogun are also still nursing injuries and they won’t be available for the encounter.
Albert Sambi Lokonga is also in the treatment room, and he isn’t expected to feature against Fulham.
However, Oleksandr Zinchenko should feature against Fulham, replacing the suspended Tomiyasu.
Uncertainty lingers concerning the future of Kieran Tierney at Arsenal, as he is no longer the first choice at left-back for Mikel Arteta.
Team News for Fulham
Tim Ream would not be available in the game, having picked up a red card in their 3-0 loss against Brentford.
Joao Palhinha, who recently returned from injury should feature in their visit to North London.
Former Arsenal men; William and Bernd Leno are expected to play a role in the encounter, although it is most likely a given that Leno will start in goal for the Cottagers.
Adama Traoré might also make his full Premier League debut for Fulham in this encounter, having been introduced late on in their clash with Brentford.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Nketiah and Martinelli
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno, Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha, Traore, Pereira, Decordova-Reid and Jimenez
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
The Gunners are overwhelming favorites going into that game and they will be looking to avoid any slip-up against Marco Silva’s side.
In terms of form on the statistical table, every pointer is pointing towards a potential victory for Arsenal.
However, they might be pushed to the limits by Fulham, who will be aiming to return to winning ways.
Kick Off Time: 03:00 PM BST
