Fulham vs Arsenal Prediction, Preview, Possible Lineups, Head to Head, Team News | English Premier League.
Fulham and Arsenal are set to face off in an exciting Premier League showdown on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Craven Cottage. This match marks Arsenal’s 15th game of the 2024/25 Premier League season, as the Gunners aim to solidify their place in the top four. Meanwhile, Fulham will look to continue their promising campaign and pull off an upset against their high-flying London rivals.
Let’s dive into an in-depth preview of the match, covering team news, predicted lineups, key players, and a prediction for this thrilling encounter.
A Glance at the Teams
Arsenal FC:
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has been one of the standout teams this season, showcasing exceptional form in the attacking third. The Gunners currently sit in third place in the league standings, riding high on a four-game winning streak. Arsenal’s ability to dominate games with quick transitions and clinical finishing makes them the favorites for this clash.
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Fulham FC:
Fulham, under Marco Silva, has made significant strides since their return to the Premier League. The Cottagers are in 10th place with 19 points from 13 games, reflecting a solid start to their campaign. The addition of Emile Smith Rowe has brought a creative spark to their midfield, making them a more competitive side against top-tier teams.
Fulham Team News
The hosts will be without several key players for this fixture:
- Jorge Cuenca remains sidelined due to injury.
- Midfielders Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney are suspended.
- Harrison Reed, recovering from knee surgery, is not expected back until late January.
- Defender Joachim Andersen is nearing a return but is unlikely to feature in this game.
Despite these setbacks, Fulham will rely on their home advantage and the recent resurgence of some players to challenge Arsenal.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal also faces injury concerns heading into this fixture:
- Defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori are ruled out.
- Full-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain unavailable due to ongoing knee issues.
However, Arsenal’s depth in quality ensures they have capable replacements to fill the gaps, maintaining their competitive edge.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Leno
- Defenders: Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson
- Midfielders: Pereira, Berge, Smith Rowe
- Forwards: Adama, Iwobi; Jiménez
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Raya
- Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko
- Midfielders: Ødegaard, Jorginho, Rice
- Forwards: Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal has dominated the head-to-head record against Fulham, winning 42 of their 63 encounters. Fulham has managed just nine victories, while 12 matches have ended in draws.
Here’s a quick look at their last five meetings:
- December 31, 2023: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
- August 26, 2023: Arsenal 2-2 Fulham (Premier League)
- March 12, 2023: Fulham 0-3 Arsenal (Premier League)
- August 27, 2022: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)
- April 18, 2021: Arsenal 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)
Key Players to Watch
Raúl Jiménez (Fulham):
The Mexican forward has rediscovered his form this season, contributing four goals and two assists in 13 appearances. Although he hasn’t scored in his last five games, Jiménez remains a constant threat in the box and could play a pivotal role in Fulham’s attack.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal):
Bukayo Saka has been in phenomenal form, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions this season. The young winger’s creativity and finishing ability make him Arsenal’s biggest weapon in the final third.
Match Analysis and Prediction
Fulham’s Form:
Fulham comes into this match after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. While their performances have been inconsistent in recent weeks, the team has shown resilience, particularly in home games.
Arsenal’s Form:
Arsenal enters the game on the back of a convincing 2-0 win over Manchester United. The Gunners have scored 15 goals in their last four matches, showcasing their attacking prowess. Their ability to control games through midfield dominance and quick counter-attacks makes them a formidable opponent.
Prediction:
Fulham will look to capitalize on their home advantage, but Arsenal’s superior quality in attack and midfield is likely to overwhelm them. Expect a competitive game with the Gunners emerging as the winners.
Soccer Baba Predicted Score: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal
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Fulham vs Arsenal Live Streaming
Here’s where you can catch the action live:
- USA: NBC platforms
- UK: Sky Sports
- India: Star Sports/Disney+ Hotstar
- Nigeria & South Africa: SuperSport
Final Thoughts
Fulham vs Arsenal promises to be an engaging contest with plenty of action on both ends of the pitch. While Fulham has the potential to trouble their visitors, Arsenal’s recent form and attacking depth make them strong favorites to secure three points.
Soccer enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling clash that could have significant implications for both teams’ league ambitions. Whether you’re a die-hard Arsenal supporter or rooting for Fulham’s underdog story, this match is set to deliver a spectacle worthy of the Premier League stage.
