Arsenal vs Fulham odds and betting statistics
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Arsenal vs Fulham match preview
Arsenal may have maximum points on the board after two games, but they’ve certainly achieved this in less than convincing fashion.
On Monday night, the Gunners beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park, but were certainly made to work hard for the points.
The only goal came from the penalty spot shortly after half time, with Eddie Nketiah hauled down by the goalkeeper, before Martin Ødegaard shouldered the responsibility and cooly converted.
However, soon after, Takehiro Tomiyasu was shown two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes, one of the harshest sendings off you’re ever likely to see.
A man light, Mikel Arteta’s team put in a backs against the wall display towards the end as they, just about, clung on for victory in South London.
On the opening weekend, Arsenal had only enjoyed a one-goal margin of victory over Nottingham Forest, so it’s safe to say that last season’s runners-up are yet to click into gear.
Well, based on what Fulham produced this time last week, this would appear a formality.
A week ago, the Whites were smashed 3-0 by West London rivals Brentford at Craven Cottage, with Tim Ream’s admittedly harsh red card, that also gave away a penalty, ending all hope of a fightback.
On the opening weekend, Marco Silva’s side had began the season with a win, albeit a very fortunate one, defeating Everton 1-0 at Goodison, with Bobby Decordova-Reid’s goal securing a smash-and-gab victory.
Nevertheless, it continues to be a summer of discontent for the Cottagers, after Aleksandar Mitrović moved to Al-Hilal for £50 million was confirmed this week.
So, despite last season’s top ten finish, Fulham supporters are bracing themselves for a relegation scrap.
This will be Fulham’s 32nd away game against Arsenal, their first coming in 1904, and, to date, the Cottagers have never won any of these fixture, which is the longest winless record in professional English football.
Included in this record is a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates exactly a year ago tomorrow.
So, a home victory in this London derby does seem very likely.
Arsenal team news
With Jurriën Timber out long-term and Takehiro Tomiyasu suspended, following his red card on Monday, left-back could be a problem position.
In better news, Oleksandr Zinchenko came off the bench at Selhurst, his first appearance since early-April, meaning he could start here.
If he does, this could be the end of the Thomas Partey at right-back experiment, with Benjamin White shifting over there and Gabriel back in alongside William Saliba in the middle.
If Mikel Arteta is feeling bold, Partey will be on the bench, with Declan Rice at the base of midfield and Kai Havertz alongside Martin Ødegaard.
Eddie Nketiah has scored 14 goals in his last 16 starts at the Emirates, including breaking the deadlock against Nottingham Forest, so will continue to lead the line.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Havertz, Ødegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Fulham team news
With Tim Ream suspended, Calvin Bassey is likely to come in for his full-Premier League debut alongside Issa Diop at centre-back.
João Palhinha suffered an injury in pre-season but came off the bench against Brentford, so could return at the base of midfield, in place of Saša Lukić.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who made nine saves on the opening weekend against Everton, and Willian will both face their former club.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha, Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jiménez.
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