Fulham Vs Arsenal: Who Will Win?
The Premier League brings another London derby as Fulham host Arsenal at Craven Cottage. Both teams are aiming for crucial points, Fulham to climb higher up the table, and Arsenal to maintain their title ambitions.
However, the build-up to this match has been dominated by injuries and fitness concerns for both sides. Managers Marco Silva and Mikel Arteta face serious selection decisions that could influence the outcome.
This article takes a detailed look at the latest squad updates, predicted lineups, tactical battles, and a final prediction on who might win the match.
Arsenal Squad Update and Injury News
Arsenal’s preparation for this fixture has been disrupted by a series of injuries to key players.
Martin Ødegaard Out for Six Weeks
Club captain Martin Ødegaard has suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in his knee. The Norwegian playmaker will be sidelined for around six weeks, ruling him out of this match and several others. His absence leaves a creative gap in midfield that Mikel Arteta must fill.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Noni Madueke Also Injured
In addition to Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Noni Madueke are all nursing knee injuries and remain unavailable. These absences reduce Arsenal’s attacking flexibility, forcing Arteta to rely on alternative options.
Ben White a Fitness Concern
Defender Ben White was unable to train earlier in the week, raising doubts about his availability. Arsenal will be hoping for a late fitness boost as his presence provides both defensive security and attacking support down the right flank.
Piero Hincapié Nearing Return
A positive update for the Gunners is that Piero Hincapié has recovered from a groin issue and could return to the matchday squad. His inclusion would add depth to Arsenal’s defensive options.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup
Based on the current fitness situation, Arsenal’s expected starting XI could be:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Fulham Squad Update and Injury News
Fulham also face multiple injury concerns ahead of this encounter, particularly in attack and defense.
Rodrigo Muniz Out with Thigh Injury
Striker Rodrigo Muniz remains sidelined with a thigh injury and is expected to return in early November. His absence leaves Fulham short of options up front.
Raúl Jiménez a Doubt
Experienced forward Raúl Jiménez is a doubt due to a groin problem. If he fails to recover in time, Fulham might have to rely on Josh King as a makeshift striker.
Kenny Tete and Sasa Lukic Unavailable
Defender Kenny Tete has been ruled out with a knee injury, while midfielder Sasa Lukic remains sidelined due to a foot injury. These losses affect Fulham’s balance on both ends of the pitch.
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Predicted Fulham Lineup
With these injury setbacks, Fulham’s predicted starting XI could look like:
Leno; Diop, Bassey, Andersen; Castagne, Berge, Cairney, Sessegnon; Wilson, Iwobi; King.
Tactical Overview
This matchup promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between Marco Silva’s structured system and Mikel Arteta’s fluid style of play.
How Arsenal Might Play
Without Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze is expected to step in as Arsenal’s creative playmaker. His ability to carry the ball and link up with forwards like Saka and Trossard will be crucial.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi will anchor the team, providing both defensive cover and forward drive. Arteta will likely push his full-backs high up the pitch to stretch Fulham’s defense.
How Fulham Might Respond
Marco Silva’s Fulham are expected to sit deep and look to counter through Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi. The midfield pairing of Berge and Cairney will try to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm and exploit spaces on turnovers.
If Josh King starts as a false nine, Fulham will aim to use his movement to draw Arsenal’s defenders out of position.
Key Battles to Watch
Declan Rice vs Sander Berge
The midfield battle will be one of the key factors in determining who controls possession. Rice’s defensive reading and passing range will be vital in breaking Fulham’s lines.
Eberechi Eze vs Fulham’s Midfield
With Ødegaard injured, all eyes will be on Eze. If he can dictate the tempo, Arsenal’s attack will flourish.
Saka vs Sessegnon
Bukayo Saka’s pace and creativity could cause major problems for Ryan Sessegnon, who might struggle to contain him one-on-one.
Recent Form
Arsenal have maintained strong form domestically, staying near the top of the Premier League table with consistent performances. Despite injuries, their squad depth has helped them grind out results
Fulham, on the other hand, have been inconsistent. While their home form has been solid, they have struggled to convert chances and keep clean sheets against top-six opposition.
Head-to-Head Record
In recent seasons, Arsenal have dominated this fixture. The Gunners have won four of the last five meetings between the two sides, often with convincing scorelines. Fulham’s last victory over Arsenal came several years ago.
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
Despite both teams dealing with injuries, Arsenal’s superior depth and attacking quality should give them the edge. Fulham will fight hard at home, but Arsenal’s midfield control and pace on the wings are likely to be too much to handle.
A 3-1 victory for Arsenal looks the most probable outcome, keeping their title push alive while Fulham continue to search for consistency.
The Fulham vs Arsenal clash promises intensity, tactical intrigue, and plenty of drama. Arsenal’s injury list presents challenges, but their squad depth and experience in big matches could see them through.
Fulham will need to stay compact defensively and take their chances when they come, but overcoming Arsenal’s quality will require a near-perfect performance.
Whether you are a neutral or a fan of either club, this match is set to be one of the most exciting fixtures of the weekend.
FAQs
Q1. Who is injured for Arsenal before the Fulham match?
A. Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Noni Madueke are all out with injuries, while Ben White is a fitness doubt.
Q2. Who is unavailable for Fulham?
A. Rodrigo Muniz, Kenny Tete, and Sasa Lukic are ruled out, while Raúl Jiménez remains a doubt.
Q3. What is the predicted Arsenal lineup against Fulham?
A. Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Q4. What is the predicted Fulham lineup against Arsenal?
A. Leno; Diop, Bassey, Andersen; Castagne, Berge, Cairney, Sessegnon; Wilson, Iwobi; King.
Q5. What is the score prediction for Fulham vs Arsenal?
A. Arsenal are predicted to win 3-1, based on their stronger depth and attacking quality.
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