Arsenal title credentials face Fulham test in London derby. Arsenal, the most talked about Premier League club of the moment with their title race and all, travel to Fulham who are seemingly very far from the top of the table for just another match.
The Clash at the Cottage
The Arsenal-Fulham match gives us the perfect opportunity to see a possible winner of the league clash. It is with a team not really aiming for the top but rather trying to get back on the right track. Mikel Arteta‘s team not only comes to be the top table but in really good form. They are winning their last outing before the break 2-0 against West Ham. Thereby collecting 16 points out of a possible 18 in the last six matches. The Gunners built their empire on rock-solid defensive performance, leading the league in conceding least number of goals.
The Form Guide & League Standing
There is a sharp difference between the two teams. Arsenal have only one defeat in their past 17 away journeys in the premier league with 16 points. On the other hand Fulham goes to the game in the 14 th position with a tally of eight points after the first seven games. They come to this game following three consecutive 3-1 losses.
Injury Crisis vs. Defensive Boost
Arsenal will face a big challenge in terms of squad depth given that some of its crucial attacking players will be missing in the match. Captain Martin Odegaard will sit a month with a knee injury. But he will be accompanied on the treatment table by Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke. The Gunners have however been given a defensive boost as summer signing Piero Hincapie is back to full training. He is likely to be ready after battling a groin problem.
Author’s Opinion
This venue has been historically biased towards the visitors. Fulham have only succeeded to win in 14 consecutive games of their last 14 encounters with Arsenal in the Premier League. The Gunners have also scored in their past 20 league matches against the Cottagers and this indicates that breaking down this strong Arsenal defence will be not an easy task to the home team.
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