After Tuesday’s 2-2 draw away at Schalke, Arsenal will look to improve on their poor recent form in the league when they meet Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday.
However, it will be no easy task. The cottagers are unbeaten since September and will be looking to continue their good run.
Recent meetings
The last time the sides met resulted in a 2-1 victory for Fulham at Craven Cottage way back in January. In their last six meetings, Arsenal have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 1, so they will be hoping to continue their good record when they meet on Saturday.
Team news
The latest news is that both Kieran Gibbs and Wojciech Szczesny will both be back in the squad. Whether they play remains to be seen, however Szczesny will start for the U21s vs West Ham on Friday. Jack Wilshere serves his 1 match suspension which means he will get a rest – the reason he played 90 minutes vs Schalke on Tuesday. However, he should return to the team for the Spurs match next week.
The only worry for Fulham is Mahamadou Diarra. Martin Jol has said that he is doubt for Saturday. Other than that, Fulham will have a full strength squad for their visit to the Emirates.
Tactics
From what I have seen of Fulham this season, they are a very well organised side away from home so expect a tough game! They will look to sit back and soak up our pressure and try and frustrate us. They will be threatening on the counter attack with quick players such as Kacaniklic. They also have quality players who could punish us such as Berbatov and Ruiz. Brede Hangeland will pose a threat from set pieces so we will have to stay organised at the back.
In regards to Arsenal, with Ramsey injured Wenger will have to start Walcott on the right. Being at home, we will have to go out and attack. I can see us having a lot of the ball but it is vitally important that we can break them down. In my opinion the key will be getting an early goal. The longer the game goes, the more belief Fulham will have that they can get something from the game.
Key players
Theo Walcott – Our top goal scorer this season will be looking to continue his impressive start. He’ll be up against Riise so it’ll be tough but I fancy him to get on the score sheet.
Per Mertesacker – He and whoever plays alongside him will have to keep an eye on Berbatov. Being the more experienced, I expect Per to put in another good performance and organise the back four well.
Dimitar Berbatov – One of the best finishers around. If he gets a chance expect him to take it. He’s been one of the signings of the summer and we’ll have to keep an eye on him.
Bryan Ruiz – After being left out at the start of the season, Ruiz has been a regular in recent weeks putting in several impressive performances. He has a great left foot so we can’t afford to let him get many shots at goal.
Possible line ups
Arsenal - Mannone, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Coquelin, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud, Podolski
Fulham – Schwarzer, Hughes, Baird, Hangeland, Riise, Riether, Duff, Sidwell, Kacaniklic, Ruiz, Berbatov
It will be a tough game where we will have to play better than we did against Man Utd. However, it really is a game where we need to win so I’m hoping the boys come out with that mindset.
COYG!
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