By Matt Smith
Marco Silva’s males might be seeking to overcome the frustration of being eradicated from the FA Cup on the weekend as they proceed to struggle for the European locations within the league.
The Cottagers have picked up some spectacular outcomes over Arsenal in the previous few seasons, and are unbeaten of their final three conferences. The final time the 2 sides met, they couldn’t be separated as objectives from Raúl Jiménez and William Saliba noticed the sport finish 1-1 earlier within the season.
Staff Information
Arsenal have obtained a significant increase heading into the sport with Mikel Arteta confirming that Bukayo Saka might be obtainable for choice as soon as once more. The England worldwide is but to function in 2025 after present process surgical procedure. In additional disappointing information, Riccardo Calafiori might be unavailable after selecting up an damage on worldwide responsibility.
Fulham aren’t anticipated to have any contemporary health woes, with Silva confirming that there’s ‘nothing severe’ besides a couple of knocks and a few tiredness from the Crystal Palace conflict.
Defence over assault
Arsenal have been some of the spectacular sides within the Premier League this season in relation to their defensive performances, conceding simply 0.8 objectives per recreation, fewer than any aspect within the league. Going ahead is the place the problems lay, and shedding Saka for a big portion of the marketing campaign undoubtedly hampered their affect within the remaining third.
The Gunners have created 45.7 anticipated objectives this season, rating them seventh within the division. If they’re hoping to win the Premier League, they’re going to have to point out extra of a menace within the remaining third.
Fulham a tight-knit unit below Silva
Much like Arsenal, the Cottagers are a troublesome aspect to penetrate and have conceded simply 33.4 anticipated objectives this season, solely bettered by the Gunners and Liverpool. The addition of Joachim Andersen on the again has helped their trigger, that means they’ve conceded simply 1.3 objectives per recreation on common.
The defeat at house to Crystal Palace in such a vital FA Cup tie might need knocked among the wind out of the sails of Fulham, however they’ll have to bounce again shortly in the event that they need to stand an opportunity of profitable the extremely tight race for Europe.
The return of Saka could possibly be key
Regardless of Saka lacking the entire of 2025 up to now, the England worldwide nonetheless leads the way in which for objectives and assists mixed for Arsenal. Saka has additionally created essentially the most massive possibilities (19), has the very best anticipated assists tally (5.6) and averages the next match score than some other participant within the squad (7.76).
Arteta merely doesn’t have one other participant who can replicate what Saka produces. There’s an argument to recommend he could possibly be rested with a Champions League conflict towards Actual Madrid developing, however even a 30-minute cameo towards Fulham may make all of the distinction for Arsenal.
Prediction
Successful the Premier League title continues to be mathematically doable, so we’re not anticipating the Gunners to slide up. We’re going for a 2-0 Arsenal win.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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