Fulham vs Arsenal: Preview & Lineups

Arsenal will be looking to secure their fifth straight win on Sunday as they face Fulham. They really need these three points for their title hopes. Last season, Fulham managed to draw and win against Arsenal.

During their last visit to Craven Cottage, Arsenal lost 2-1 on New Year’s Eve while struggling. This time, Arsenal comes into the match full of confidence.

However, Fulham won’t be an easy opponent. They currently sit sixth in the table after defeating Brighton 3-1 and drawing with Tottenham. Fulham can compete well against any team, making this an important game for the Gunners after their recent success.

Arsenal will go against Fulham on Sunday, December 8, 2024. The match will kick off at 14:00 BST at Craven Cottage in London. Chris Kavanagh is set to referee the match.

Reiss Nelson, who is on loan at Fulham, is unfortunately out due to a hamstring injury he sustained right before he was about to come on as a substitute in a recent game. Additionally, former Arsenal players Bernd Leno, Alex Iwobi, and Emile Smith Rowe are expected to play against their old team.

Fulham will be without Tom Cairney because he received a red card in last weekend’s match against Tottenham. Furthermore, Joachim Andersen is dealing with a calf injury and has just finished serving a ban.

For Fulham, the predicted lineup includes Leno in goal, supported by Tete, Diop, Bassey, and Robinson in defense. Lukic and Berge are likely to play in midfield, with Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, and Jimenez leading the attack.

On the other hand, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori missed training on Friday. This leaves their availability for the match uncertain. However, Arteta has solid alternatives.

Jakub Kiwior should keep his position next to William Saliba in defense, but it is likely Oleksandr Zinchenko will be replaced. Jurrien Timber might move to left-back while Thomas Partey can play at right-back, a role he has done well this season.

Though there may not be many changes to the attacking side, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard could be brought into the starting lineup.

Therefore, Arsenal’s predicted team includes Raya as the goalkeeper, with Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, and Timber in defense. Rice, Merino, and Odegaard are expected in midfield, while Saka, Havertz, and Trossard make up the front three.