Prediction: Fulham vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal to win by 2+ goals

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Opening the new Premier League campaign with a London derby, Arsenal will make the trip across the capital when they travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

Fulham

Starting with the hosts, after coming past West London rivals Brentford at an empty Wembley last month in the Championship play-off final, Fulham will be hoping to hit the ground running and upset the odds this weekend. Only managing to squeeze in a single pre-season matchup during their summer preparations and having to settle for a 2-2 draw against League One outfit MK Dons last week, Head Coach Scott Parker will be hoping for his side to find some much-needed defensive resolve as they make their Premier League return on Saturday. With their well-publicised issues at the back costing them their top-flight status back in the 2018/2019 campaign, the one-time Chelsea midfielder saw his side manage to record just a single clean sheet over their last six contests continuing on from last season. In for what could be a tough step up in class this weekend, Fulham could also be concerned by their recent meetings against the Gunners. Including a 4-1 drumming the last time they faced off against Arsenal back in January of last year, Fulham have lost each of their last five meetings against Arsenal.

Team News

While Fulham might have secured PSG keeper Alphonso Areola on loan earlier in the week, Scott Parker is likely to go with last year’s number one Marek Rodak.

After scoring that stunning free-kick in the play-off final against Brentford last month, Joe Bryan is likely to get the nod ahead of new signing Antonee Robinson at left-back.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have had to settle for an eighth-place finish last season, the Gunners have enjoyed an eye-catching summer and the mood in North London appears to be on the rise. With Mikel Arteta undoubtedly eyeing up a top-four return this season, Pep Guardiola’s former right-hand man has already seen his side lift both the Community Shield and the FA Cup this summer thanks to victories over Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley. Also managing to squeeze in a 4-1 pre-season friendly victory against League One MK Dons last month, Arsenal will make the trip across London confident of laying down an early marker this weekend. If Arteta’s side are to get their Premier League campaign off to a flying start on Saturday lunchtime, then they will be calling on attacking talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to lead their charge. Bagging both goals against Chelsea in last month’s FA Cup final, the Gabon ace lifted Arsenal’s Golden Boot once again last season and has five goals in his last three matchups continuing on from last season.

Team News

Arsenal have confirmed that long-term absentees Gabriel Martinelli and Calum Chambers are both still out with knee injuries.

German international Shkodran Mustafi is not set to feature until next month, while fellow center-back Pablo Mari also misses out.

Key Factors to Consider

• Including a 4-1 win when the two sides faced off in January of last year, Arsenal have won each of their last five meetings against Fulham.
• The Gunners have one of those five meetings by an aggregate score of 15-3.
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has five goals in his last three matchups for Arsenal.
• Fulham have managed to record just a single clean sheet in their last six matchups continuing on from last season.
• The Cottagers have also shipped over 1.5 goals in their last three home contests on the bounce.

Conclusion

Already lifting the Community Shield and the FA Cup this summer, the mood in Arsenal’s camp appears to be on the rise and they should be relishing a trip across London this weekend. Glad to see that leading marksman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still with the Gunners and enjoying what has been a rampant post-lockdown purple patch, Mikel Arteta’s side should also be boosted by what is an impressive record against Saturday’s hosts. Winning each of their last five meetings against the Cottagers, including a 5-1 win the last time they made the trip to Craven Cottage, we’re backing Arsenal to open the new campaign in style.

Verdict: Arsenal to win by 2+ goals

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet