Fulham face Arsenal at Craven Cottage in a London derby clash as the curtain comes down on 2023 in the Premier League.
Victory or a draw would lift Fulham up to 13th in the table, whilst Arsenal know that a win would see them move top heading into 2024.
Team News
Raul Jimenez is set to return for Fulham following completion of his three match ban.
Willian (hamstring) could be available if he passes a late fitness test, but Tim Ream (calf) and Adama Traore (hamstring) remain ruled out.
Arsenal will welcome Kai Havertz back into contention after he was suspended for their defeat against West Ham on Thursday (28 December).
Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Jurrien Timbers (knee), Fabio Vieira (groin) and Thomas Partey (muscle) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Fulham host Arsenal at Craven Cottage in a 2pm GMT kick-off on Sunday 31 December, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Fulham are winless in their last 11 league meetings against Arsenal (D3, L8).
- Arsenal have won each of their last five league visits to Fulham (W5).
- Fulham have lost each of their last two home games against Arsenal by 3-0 result, with the Gunners’ Gabriel having scored in both meetings.
- Failure to score would see Fulham go four league matches without scoring for the first time since a five-match streak in December 1999.
- Arsenal are looking to avoid two consecutive league games without a goal for the first time since May.
Prediction
After a largely lacklustre display in their defeat at Bournemouth, Fulham must improve their attacking quality because they need to try and get on the front foot in this tricky game if want any points, whilst their defence can’t be sloppy again otherwise this could be another defeat.
Arsenal however need their own improvement after an incredibly wasteful performance at home to West Ham, where their end product uncharacteristically deserted them whilst defensive mistakes were clinically punished by the Hammers.
This fixture though has tended to belong to Arsenal and if they play like they did on Thursday evening but with better conversion of their chances, I can see them winning comfortably but Fulham will try and give them a decent game if can tighten up defensively.
Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Arsenal
Result: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
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