Arsenal vs Fulham: Statistical Preview, Form Guide, Injury News & Head-To-Head

Premier League leaders Arsenal welcome a Fulham side who are 1 point above the relegation zone to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Gunners extended their run of victories in the league to four on Monday night with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa. No breathing space was created however as both Manchester City and Chelsea both extended their winning streaks also.

Meanwhile Fulham were thrashed 4-1 at home by Sunderland last weekend, meaning the Cottagers have now conceded 20 goals in their last 6 Premier League matches.

Form

Arsenal WWWWD

Arsène Wenger’s side are putting an impressive run together to keep their lead at the top with 13 points from their last five matches, conceding only two goals during this run. Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud were on target in quick succession at Villa Park to keep the winning streak going.

Jack Wilshere was impressive on Monday and admitted in his post-game interview that he should be scoring and setting up more goals. After a dry spell, Olivier Giroud has now scored in his last two Premier League games. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have been solid at the back of late.

Nacho Monreal and Tomáš Rosický picked up knocks last week, making them both doubts for this weekend. Wenger already has a large injury list to deal with. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did make his return though.

Fulham LWLWL

Recently appointed René Meulensteen isn’t amongst the bookmakers’ favourites to lose his job next, but needs to strengthen Fulham’s defence if he wants them to get out of the relegation dogfight and save his job between now and the end of the season.

The Cottagers were humilated 4-1 at home by Sunderland last weekend. This came less than two weeks after their 6-0 thrashing at Hull City on New Year’s Day. A win over 10-man West Ham in between those heavy defeats has at least kept Fulham outside the bottom three heading into this weekend.

Brede Hangeland returned in Fulham’s FA Cup victory over Norwich City midweek and will be a welcome boost at the back for the Premier League’s leakiest defence. Fernando Amorebieta is a doubt, Matthew Briggs is out, but otherwise Meulensteen has a healthy squad at his disposal.

Head-to-head

Arsenal were 3-1 winners at Fulham during the second Premier League weekend this season. Olivier Giroud and two goals from Lukas Podolski that day earned the Gunners 3 points before Darren Bent scored a second half consolation.

That made it back-to-back victories in this fixture for Arsène Wenger’s side who were 1-0 winners at Craven Cottage last season after being surprisingly held 3-3 at the Emirates Stadium.

Premier League stats

Absentees

Arsenal
Mikel Arteta (injury)
Nicklas Bendtner (injury)
Abou Diaby (injury)
Aaron Ramsey (injury)
Yaya Sanogo (injury)
Thomas Vermaelen (injury)
Tomas Rosicky (injury doubt)
Nacho Monreal (injury doubt)
Theo Walcott (injury)

Fulham
Matthew Briggs (injury)

Will Arsenal secure another win to maintain their lead at the top? Or will Fulham pull off a shock result?