Arsenal vs Fulham: Chance to Retake Premier League Top Spot
Kevin Hand
Arsenal can regain a six-point lead over Manchester City by beating Fulham in Matchday 36 of the Premier League, piling pressure on their title rivals. The Gunners, after a midweek Champions League draw, host a resilient Fulham side still eyeing European qualification. A win would put Arsenal top, but history and fitness concerns add intrigue to the London derby.
On Saturday, May 2, at 16:30 GMT, Arsenal host Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in Matchday 36 of the Premier League. A win would lift the Gunners to the top of the table with a six-point gap over Manchester City, though City have two games in hand.
A 2-1 loss to Man City in late April saw Arsenal surrender top spot for the first time since October last year. However, with City busy in the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend, Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 to end a four-match winless run in domestic league play.
Manager Mikel Arteta noted the fixture schedule is favoring his side, as Man City will not return to Premier League action until Monday, when they travel to Everton. If Arsenal beat Fulham, City will be forced to win just to close the gap, leaving no room for error.
Yet Fulham are no pushovers. The visitors sit 10th and still have a chance to qualify for European competition. Fulham midfielder Josh King declared: “We’ll go to the Emirates without fear, fighting for the badge.”
Key stat: Fulham have never won an away match against Arsenal in 32 meetings across all competitions. In the reverse fixture this season, Arsenal won 1-0 via a Leandro Trossard goal. Fulham’s last win over Arsenal came two seasons ago, a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
Team news: Arsenal are without Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino due to injury, but Riccardo Calafiori returned to the bench in midweek Champions League action and could start. For Fulham, Alex Iwobi has not recovered from a thigh problem, while Kenny Tete and Kevin are out for various reasons.
Predicted lineups:
Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze.
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez.
According to Opta statistics, Arsenal remain favorites in the title race, but anything can change if they stumble against Fulham. The London derby promises drama, especially as Arsenal are coming off a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals and may face fatigue.
