Prediction: Fulham vs Arsenal

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Unibet

Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will travel to Craven Cottage when they meet Fulham.

Fulham

Starting with the hosts, watching their eye-catching flurry come to an abrupt end against local rivals Brentford earlier in the week, Fulham will be seeking an immediate response here. Eventually slumping to an action-packed 3-2 defeat when they made the trip across west London on Monday night, Marco Silva’s men should still find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. While the Cottagers might have only made their Premier League return this season, they now find themselves sat in pole position to claim a shock top-half finish come May. Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits on either side of the World Cup’s winter break, the ex-Everton boss could even be dreaming of a famous European charge during the back end of the campaign. Losing just one of their last eight appearances across all competitions, Fulham have also excelled with their performances on home soil. Last seen at Craven Cottage extending on their FA Cup adventure as they claimed a 2-0 win against Premier League rivals Leeds, Silva’s side have suffered just a sole defeat in front of their own supporters since opening 2023.

Team News

Fulham will once again be without the injured trio of Tom Cairney, Layvin Kurzawa and Neeskhens Kebano this weekend. Likewise, midfield star Joao Palhinha will also miss out as the 27-year-old serves a suspension.

While attacking talisman Aleksander Mitrovic might have failed to find the net since back on January 3rd, the Serbian international will spearhead Silva’s attack here.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, although Arsenal might have opened their Europa League knockout stage adventure with an action-packed 2-2 draw away at Sporting Lisbon in midweek, the Gunners are enjoying yet another extended flurry. Mounting what was a stunning comeback on home soil last weekend as they eventually snatched a last-gasp 3-2 victory against Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta’s young squad have their sights set on writing real history in 2023. Still holding a commanding five-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table, the Gunners will be looking to make another domestic statement here. Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits from across Europe this season, Sunday’s guests have certainly bounced back from their brief wobble last month. Although Arteta might have growing concerns over his side’s recent defensive issues, Arsenal have really gained a reputation for their free-scoring displays. On a run that is highlighted by a 4-0 romp against relegation scrappers Everton on March 1st, the Gunners have bagged 14 strikes on their five-match unbeaten run.

Team News

Although Gabriel Jesus might have returned to training this week, the former Manchester City striker isn’t ready to make his return yet. Arsenal are also sweating over the fitness of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard.

Settling for a spot on the bench out in Lisbon a few days ago, Thomas Partey should be in line for a full recall on Sunday afternoon. Gabriel Martinelli could once again play through the middle of Arteta’s attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met for their reverse meeting on August 27th, Arsenal picked up a late 2-1 victory at the Emirates.
• The Gunners have won each of their previous four Premier League appearances – a run that has seen them score 12 goals.
• However, Arsenal have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their previous nine domestic matchups across all competitions.
• Fulham have suffered just a single domestic defeat at Craven Cottage since returning from the World Cup’s winter break.
• Four of the last five meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Although Arsenal might have been disappointed after settling for a 2-2 draw out in Lisbon a few days ago, the Gunners will be looking to lay down another domestic marker here. However, while Arteta’s side might open this weekend’s fixtures holding a five-point buffer over the chasing pack, Sunday’s guests have shown some recent defensive issues. Mustering just a pair of clean sheets from their last 10 matchups across all competitions, Arsenal could be asked some real questions at Craven Cottage. Although Fulham might have eventually fallen to a lively 3-2 defeat against Brentford last weekend, the Cottagers have continued to shine on home soil. It is worth highlighting, with Sunday’s opponents seeing four of their last five meetings finish with both teams finding the net, we are backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Unibet