The last time these teams faced off in August, Joao Palhinha secured a late equalizer for a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Fulham's festive season hasn't been joyful, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Boxing Day, making it their third consecutive Premier League loss.
Despite being 13th in the table, they are only six points clear of the relegation zone, with a game more played than 18th-placed Luton.
Fulham has found solace at Craven Cottage, collecting 15 of their 21 Premier League points at home this season. While they've struggled against Arsenal in recent history, losing the last 11 encounters, they did secure a convincing 5-0 victory over West Ham earlier this month, the same team that shocked Arsenal with a 2-0 win.
On the other side, Arsenal missed the opportunity to reclaim the top spot and currently sit in second place, two points behind leaders Liverpool. Their recent form has been shaky, dropping points in three of their last four top-flight games. However, they have a good record at Craven Cottage, winning their last five visits and scoring at least three goals in each of their last four.
As they aim to end 2023 on a positive note, both teams have their reasons to be optimistic. Arsenal will be eager to avoid further setbacks and maintain their dominance at Craven Cottage, while Fulham seeks to capitalize on their home advantage and turn the tide against Arsenal, especially after the Gunners' recent defeat to West Ham.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Fulham's Willian, formerly associated with Arsenal, is uncertain for the upcoming match due to a thigh injury. Adama Traore and Tim Ream are still sidelined with thigh and calf issues, respectively.On a positive note, Raul Jimenez is set to return after serving a three-match suspension and is expected to take over from Rodrigo Muniz in the forward position. He'll join Bobby De-Cordova Reid and Alex Iwobi, another former Arsenal player, in the attacking lineup.
Manager Silva is likely to keep changes minimal, though there's a chance Harrison Reed could be brought in to partner with the sought-after midfielder Palhinha, potentially replacing Tom Cairney in the starting lineup.
On the Arsenal side, players such as Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Thomas Partey (thigh), Fabio Vieira (groin), and Jurrien Timber (knee) continue to be unavailable as they recover from injuries. However, Kai Havertz is back after serving a one-game suspension and is eager to return to the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
The inclusion of Havertz may lead to Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli being relegated to the substitutes' bench, with the other getting a start on the left side of attack alongside Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, the latter of whom scored against Fulham in the previous encounter.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Fulham possible starting lineup:Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
EXPERT PREDICTION
Fulham 2-3 Arsenal
Despite the recent dip, Arsenal, led by Arteta, are still considered favorites to clinch the victory. They are determined to rectify their course, especially at a stadium where they've enjoyed considerable success in recent years.
