Arsenal is set to play against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, with fans eagerly anticipating Bukayo Saka`s return after a hamstring injury in December. Saka`s absence was a significant setback for Arsenal`s ambitions this season.
Without Saka, and with other key attacking players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus also missing games, Arsenal`s attack has been less effective, scoring 19 goals in 12 Premier League matches. Recently, their scoring has further declined, with only two goals in the last four games. Arsenal needs to reignite their attacking form.
Fulham also has important goals to achieve. Before their FA Cup loss to Crystal Palace, they had won two league games in a row, moving up to eighth place. A victory on Tuesday could potentially lift them to sixth in the standings. Fulham has historically struggled against Arsenal in league games at Emirates, with no wins in 31 visits. However, recent encounters have been challenging for Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal, with Fulham earning five points in their last three matches.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 1
- Location: Emirates Stadium, London
Previous Match
Arsenal`s last game at Craven Cottage against Fulham was difficult. Despite dominating after Raul Jimenez scored the first goal for Fulham, Arsenal could only manage a draw. Kai Havertz equalized for Arsenal in the second half, but a late goal from Bukayo Saka was controversially disallowed for a very tight offside.
Arsenal`s Team News
Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka is fit and ready to play. He mentioned Saka`s strong desire to return and that the club had to manage his return carefully, ensuring he recovered fully. Arteta emphasized Saka`s importance to the team and the boost his return provides.
Projected Starting Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard
Fulham: Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge; Alex Iwobi, Andreas Pereira, Willian; Raul Jimenez
Key Match Points
Champions League Focus: With Arsenal likely aiming for second place in the Premier League, their upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid is a major consideration for Arteta. He might manage player minutes against Fulham, possibly limiting Saka`s game time and experimenting with the lineup.
Player Spotlight
Bukayo Saka: All eyes will be on Saka. Before his injury, he was performing at a world-class level and could be crucial for Arsenal in the Champions League. He remains high in the Premier League assist and chance creation charts. His return could significantly improve Arsenal`s performance.
Match Prediction
Arsenal is expected to win, although they might take some time to get into the game. Their stronger bench, potentially including players like Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, and Saka, could be decisive. Prediction: Arsenal 2, Fulham 1
