Fulham vs Arsenal: Prediction and Preview

 

Introduction

The Premier League is set to witness another London derby on the 18th of April, 2021, as Fulham takes on Arsenal at Craven Cottage. The two teams are separated by a mere nine miles and have a rich history of rivalry, making this fixture one to look forward to for fans of both clubs. In this blog post, we will preview the match and provide predictions for what could happen.

Form Guide

Fulham's form has been poor for most of the season, and they are currently struggling in the relegation zone. However, they have shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks, picking up four points from their last three matches. They are still nine points away from safety, but they will take heart from the fact that they have a game in hand over most of the teams above them.

On the other hand, Arsenal's form has been inconsistent this season, and they find themselves in 9th place, with 46 points from 31 matches. They have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat to Everton in their previous Premier League fixture. However, they have a talented squad and will be determined to finish the season strongly.

Head-to-Head Record

In the Premier League era, Fulham and Arsenal have faced each other 28 times, with Arsenal winning 24 of those encounters. Fulham has won only one match, with the other three ending in draws. In their previous meeting this season, Arsenal won 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe, and Alexandre Lacazette.

However, Fulham has a good record against Arsenal at Craven Cottage, winning two of the last four matches. In their most recent encounter at Craven Cottage in 2019, Fulham played out a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, with Ryan Sessegnon scoring for Fulham and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalizing for Arsenal.

Key Players

For Fulham, the key player will be Ademola Lookman. The on-loan winger has been one of their standout players this season, with four goals and four assists in 26 appearances. Lookman possesses the pace and skill to trouble the Arsenal defense and will be looking to make an impact in the match.

Another player to watch out for in the Fulham team is midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The Cameroonian has been in excellent form this season, and his ability to win the ball back and drive the team forward could be crucial against Arsenal.

For Arsenal, the key player will be Alexandre Lacazette. The French striker has been in excellent form this season, with 13 goals and two assists in 28 appearances. Lacazette's ability to score goals from a variety of positions and his hold-up play make him a vital player for Arsenal.

Another player to watch out for in the Arsenal team is Bukayo Saka. The versatile winger has been one of Arsenal's standout players this season, with five goals and two assists in 27 appearances. Saka's ability to run with the ball, create chances, and score goals could be crucial against Fulham.

Tactical Preview

Fulham will most likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lookman and Ivan Cavaleiro providing the width on either side of the attacking midfield trio. Zambo Anguissa and Harrison Reed will provide the midfield base, while Bobby Decordova-Reid is likely to play in the central attacking midfield role.

Defensively, Fulham will be hoping to keep things tight

and organized at the back, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Joachim Andersen forming a solid center-back partnership. Antonee Robinson and Ola Aina will play as the full-backs, providing defensive cover and overlapping runs to support the attack.

Arsenal, on the other hand, will most likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as well, with Lacazette leading the line as the lone striker. Saka and Pepe will provide the width on either side of the attacking midfield trio, which will most likely consist of Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, and Thomas Partey.

Defensively, Arsenal will look to maintain their shape and press high up the pitch, with Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos providing the midfield base. Rob Holding and Gabriel will play as the center-backs, with Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney providing the full-back support.

Both teams will be looking to dominate possession and create chances in the attacking third, but the midfield battle could be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. Fulham will need to disrupt Arsenal's midfield and prevent them from building up play from the back, while Arsenal will need to control the midfield and play through the lines to create opportunities in front of goal.

Prediction

Based on the form guide and head-to-head record, Arsenal are the favorites to win this match. However, Fulham's recent form and their good record against Arsenal at Craven Cottage cannot be ignored.

Fulham will need to put in a disciplined and organized defensive performance to keep Arsenal at bay, while also taking their chances when they come. Lookman and Zambo Anguissa will need to be at their best to provide a threat going forward, while Adarabioyo and Andersen will need to be solid at the back.

For Arsenal, Lacazette and Saka will be key in providing the attacking threat, while Partey will need to control the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game. Holding and Gabriel will need to be solid at the back and prevent Fulham from scoring.

Overall, I predict a tight and closely fought match, with Arsenal edging it 2-1. While Fulham will put up a strong fight and make things difficult for Arsenal, the Gunners' quality and experience should see them through in the end.

Conclusion

The upcoming Fulham vs Arsenal match promises to be an exciting and closely fought encounter, with both teams looking to pick up valuable points in their respective battles at either end of the table. While Arsenal are the favorites to win, Fulham will be determined to upset the odds and claim a crucial victory.

Regardless of the result, this London derby is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and drama, and fans of both clubs will be eagerly anticipating the final outcome.