Arsenal at Fulham Premier League match preview: Steady as she goes
Arsenal navigate the waters of a packed fixture list as they attempt to continue their momentum
12 games. That’s all that stands between Arsenal and the end of the Premier League season. There is a palpable mix of exhilaration and fear as each game carries just a little more weight than the one before. As Mikel Arteta’s Gunners chase their first title in nearly two decades, only a dozen games remain. On deck, a trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in a London derby is vital.
Fulham’s form has been one of the most surprising storylines of the Premier League season. The London club, who have only just been promoted earlier this season, are not only far from the relegation zone but could also feature in European competition next season. With 39 points in 7th place, nobody could have foreseen this success. Sure, they looked good at the start of the season, but who knew they’d look like this The well through 2⁄3 of the season?
Fulham has been the quintessential yo-yo club for some time. They have been relegated and promoted in back-to-back campaigns since the 18/19 season and are struggling to stay in the top flight for more than one season at a time. This season, however, the Cottagers appear safe from that frustrating cycle for at least another season as manager Marco Silva has transformed the side into a frighteningly constant one.
Alexander Mitrović’s form has been instrumental in Fulham’s success, but continued success has come from contributions from players across the pitch. Former marksman Bernd Leno was one of the league’s best shot stoppers. João Palhinha was a rock in their midfield but will miss the game due to a red suspension. Manor Solomon has been on the hunt for goals since the new year. Even Willian, the former horror show Arsenal newcomer, has found new life with them. times, they change!
All of this means Arsenal have a steep task ahead of them on Sunday. Fulham have only gotten better since they last met in late August. Arsenal have managed to remain more or less consistent – they still top the PL table after all – but have shown some worrying signs on the track. Injuries remain a constant thorn in the side of the club and player fatigue becomes more of a concern as the season progresses.
However, the most worrying issue has been Arsenal’s inexplicable inability to defend a set piece lately. After two seasons in which the league had put up the league’s stingiest set-piece defence, the side have struggled to keep the ball out of the net at corners, giving away goals to Bournemouth, Everton and Sporting CP in recent games. Fulham undoubtedly know that and will want to capitalize on that with Mitrović’s aerial prowess.
The Gunners are also three games into a tough March run of six games in three weeks before the international break. Tired legs are always a problem at this time of year and this game falls between two crucial Europa League knockout games against Sporting CP. This is the only PL away game in six games for Mikel Arteta’s side and while it’s not far from home Fulham Arsenal will no doubt provide the kind of game a team leading a title fight expect can.
Managing people is probably one of the most difficult areas for a manager to deal with. Gabriel Martinelli’s cameo in the forward against Sporting has been largely forgotten, but he was also without the service of Martin Odegaard, who was absent through illness. His return will be crucial in Arsenal’s attack. Likewise, Thomas Partey’s health is always a concern as he has yet to complete a full campaign for the Gunners. The return of either Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah will be a huge relief, but I don’t expect either of them to be anywhere near ready for 90 minutes. Sunday will be a big test for Mikel’s squad rotation, but good managers find a way to make the right moves when needed.
See Nathan’s post for more discussion of lineups and score predictions.
The task is simple for the Gunners – just win. Fulham are tricky and it will take every effort for Arteta’s side to leave Craven Cottage with all three points. But champions find a way. This team believes in themselves and in each other. They have shown in 26 games so far and they only have 12 more times to show it.
WHAT: Arsenal at Fulham
IF: Sunday, March 12 at 10:00 am EST/7:00 am PST/3:00 pm BST
WHERE: Craven Cottage, London, England
HOW TO SEE: Streaming on Peacock.
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