Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal return to domestic action on Sunday afternoon when they host Scott Parker’s Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
After a promising form run in their quest for survival, the cottages have forgotten too late and their Premier League status looks mildly uncertain. After winning 1-0 in Liverpool last month, Parker’s side have lost four games in a row – most recently to Wolves at Craven Cottage.
- Advertisement -
The Gunners’ league form has also been quite inconsistent in recent weeks, and they are marooned in the middle of the table, ten points behind fourth-placed West Ham. However, they will be full of confidence after beating Sheffield United and Slavia Prague with a combined score of 7-0 in the last week.
Here are 90 minutes preview of the game.
Emirates Stadium will host the match | Julian Finney / Getty Images
When is it? Sunday 18 AprilWhere is it played? Emirates StadiumWhat time is it played? 13:30 (BST)TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)Judge? Craig Pawson WHERE? Stuart Attwell
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recently revealed that he had been hospitalized after receiving Malaria on international duty, so he will again be absent.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not play against Fulham | Julian Finney / Getty Images
David Luiz and Kieran Tierney are the other confirmed absences from Artetas Gunners, while Martin Odegaard is still a big doubt.
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe returned to start XI against Slavia after recovering from injury, but their feats on Thursday night can see them return to the bench – much depends on how they have recovered.
Fulham may be able to call Ademola Lookman, who has been ruled out of action with a late-string problem.
We could see Ademola Lookman back in action Pool / Getty Images
Scott Parker is definitely without Terence Kongolo, who will be missing for the rest of the season, while Tom Cairney is still working his way back to fitness.
Arsenal: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Cedric; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Ceballos, Willian; Lacazette
Fulham: Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo; Tete, Reed, Lemina, Robinson; Decordova-Reid, Loftus-Cheek, Mitrovic
Arsenal:
Slavia Prague 0-4 Arsenal – Europa League (15/04) Sheffield United 0-3 Arsenal -Premier League (11/04) Arsenal 1-1 Slavia Prague – Europa League (08/04)Arsenal 0-3 Liverpool – Premier League (03/04) West Ham 3-3 Arsenal – Premier League (21/03)
Fulham:
Fulham 0-1 Wolves – Premier League (09/04) Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham – Premier League (04/04)Fulham 1-2 Leeds United – Premier League (19/03)Fulham 0-3 Manchester City – Premier League (13/03) Liverpool 0-1 Fulham – Premier League (07/03)
Given Fulham’s new form, it’s hard to see Arsenal pick up three points.
Nine goals conceded in the Cottagers’ last four matches show vulnerability at the back, while only seven goals scored in their 12 previous Premier League matches reflect their difficulties in breaking down the defense.
Ready to go again tomorrow ✊
? @FulhamFC pic.twitter.com/fLFTBZBbBZ
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) 17 April 2021
Arsenal tend to have an odd emission, and we are at the time of the season where the results are unpredictable – especially when it comes to sides fighting relegation. But Arteta’s side have been flowing freely over the past week, and Alexandre Lacazette’s return to goal form should see them comfortably across the line.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Fulham
