Having won just one of their last five games in all competitions, Arsenal are eyeing to conclude 2023 with a victory at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve.
Despite the Gunners' consistent performance, Mikel Arteta's team has struggled to gather the points that reflect their dominance in individual matches. On Thursday, the team aiming for the title suffered a surprising 2-0 home defeat to West Ham, highlighting their difficulties in scoring goals.
In the previous season, Arsenal efficiently dominated this particular fixture, swiftly securing a 3-0 lead by halftime with three assists from Leandro Trossard. A replication of such a performance and outcome would be welcomed against Fulham on Sunday.
The Cottagers have faced defeat in their last three Premier League matches after securing impressive 5-0 victories against West Ham and Nottingham Forest earlier in December.
Fulham vs Arsenal prediction
The comeback of Raul Jimenez will undoubtedly benefit the hosts, who could also see Willian returning to the starting lineup. Fulham is a well-coached side despite their recent setback and has demonstrated their ability to overpower teams at Craven Cottage.
They also proved to be challenging opponents for Arsenal in the reverse fixture back in August, managing to equalise late and secure a point in North London.
However, the Gunners will once again take control of proceedings on Sunday and strive to break down the hosts. Their transition defending will be put to the test, as Fulham has players in wide areas capable of causing damage on the counter, as demonstrated at the Emirates.
Arsenal's struggles in the final third raise concerns, and their necessity for a win this weekend could make this encounter tense. Nevertheless, we anticipate the visitors securing the victory they require.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Arsenal
Fulham vs Arsenal Head-to-Head
Fulham have not won in their last 11 encounters with Arsenal (D3, L8). Their most recent victory came in a 2-1 home win back in January 2012.
Arsenal have triumphed in their last five Premier League away matches against Fulham, scoring a minimum of three goals in each of the past four games.
The Gunners have suffered just three losses in their 33 Premier League clashes against Fulham (W23, D7), all three defeats being by a single-goal margin at Craven Cottage
Fulham vs Arsenal Team News
Fulham forward Raul Jimenez is back in action following a three-match suspension.
Winger Willian, who has been absent from the Cottagers' last three league games due to a hamstring problem, might not be fit, while Tim Ream and Adama Traore are still sidelined.
Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz is eligible to play again after completing a one-match suspension.
However, Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Fabio Vieira continue to be sidelined due to injuries.