Fulham vs Arsenal
Time – UK: 12:30 PM (Saturday), India: 5:00 PM (Saturday)
Venue: Craven Cottage
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Only weeks after Liverpool were crowned champions of a rather unusual Premier League campaign, the first and finest league in English football has returned with all the excitement and drama. Yes, the 2020/21 campaign is finally upon us, and we have an action-packed opening matchday to look forward to.
Today, we’re focusing on two Premier League sides who have a lot to prove this season. For Arsenal, the season is all about redemption, to earn Champions League football with a top-four finish. Their eighth-placed finish was met with harsh criticism last year, but the FA Cup triumph against Chelsea assured them of Europa League football.
The hosts, Fulham, had a fruitful campaign in the Championship last season, which resulted in their promotion to the English top-flight. They come into the new season with a lot of expectations and a clean slate, and they’d hate to go down to the Championship only after a year of top-level exposure.
Fulham vs Arsenal: Recent form
Fulham: W-L-W-D-W (Most recent first)
Arsenal: W-W-W-L-W (Most recent first)
Both Fulham and Arsenal have been in good shape lately and should give us a clash to remember.
Fulham vs Arsenal: Head-to-head
Total Matches – 57
Fulham wins – 08
Arsenal wins -39
Draws – 10
Both belonging to London, Arsenal and Fulham have crossed paths many times in the past. Being the bigger club, the Gunners have managed to maintain a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts.
Out of their 57 meetings across all competitions so far, Arsenal have come out victorious on 39 occasions — a thoroughly impressive record. Fulham, in contrast, have only managed to bag eight wins.
Their last meeting came in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign. Arsenal cruised to a 4-1 win on the night, with goals from Granit Xhaka, Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealing the victory for the Gunners.
Fulham vs Arsenal: Team news
Both teams would look to put their best foot forward when they meet this Saturday, and they certainly have the right tools in the shed.
Fulham
Former Real Madrid shot-stopper, Alphonse Areola, has joined the squad on loan and will be eager to make an immediate impact. Fulham manager, Scott Parker, has a full-fit squad at his disposal and would look to pull a surprise out of the bag on Saturday.
Absentees: N/A
Doubtful: N/A
Arsenal
Unlike Fulham, Arsenal have a bunch of injury concerns, ahead of their Premier League opener. Centre-back, David Luiz looks set to miss the game after injuring his neck and could remain sidelined for up to four weeks.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will also have to do without Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari, Gabriel Martinelli, and Calum Chambers.
Absentees: David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari, Gabriel Martinelli, and Calum Chambers
Doubtful: N/A
Fulham vs Arsenal: Probable XI
Fulham: Areola; Bryan, Hector, Ream, Odoi; Cairney, Reed, Lemina; Cavaleiro, Mitrovic, Knockaert
Arsenal: Leno; Tierney, Saliba, Holding; Saka, Ceballos, Xhaka, Bellerin; Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Fulham vs Arsenal: Where to watch
India: Star Sports Select 1 SD & HD
UK: BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate
Stream in India: Hotstar Disney+ App
Stream in UK: BT Sport App
Fulham vs Arsenal: Prediction
This Saturday afternoon kickoff promises plenty. On one hand, we have Fulham, who have defied odds to return to the Premier League via playoffs. On the other, we have Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal — a team that needs to do infinitely better than last season.
The Gunners have a bunch of absentees to deal with, of course, and they’d be playing away from home. However, despite the handicaps, it’s hard to see Arsenal losing this one. We feel Arsenal would extend their winning streak and come home with a 3-1 win.
Fulham vs Arsenal final verdict: 1-3
Also Read: Liverpool vs Leeds United: Preview, team news, predicted XI and more | Premier League 2020-21