The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the upcoming Premier League clash between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage.
Gameweek 20 of the 2023/24 Premier League season will continue on Sunday with two simultaneous fixtures. Tottenham Hotspur will take on Bournemouth at home, while Arsenal will lock horns with Fulham in a London derby at Craven Cottage.
Fulham saw the recent upturn in form snap in the last ten days after suffering three successive defeats. That run of results has dropped them to 13th on the table, an uncomfortable six points above the drop zone. As for Arsenal, the Gunners were atop the table on Christmas but have fallen to second on the table after suffering a shock 2-0 loss at home to West Ham United.
Where to Watch Fulham vs Arsenal
Fulham vs Arsenal will kick off at 2:00 pm GMT at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League will telecast the match in the UK, while you can stream it on the Sky GO App.
As for viewers in India, Star Sports Select 2 and Star Sports Select 2 HD will telecast the game. You can also stream it on the Disney+ Hotstar App. Meanwhile, readers in the USA can watch it online on Peacock. Finally, Optus Sport will broadcast the fixture in Australia.
Form
Fulham: WWLWLL
As iterated earlier, Fulham’s form has plummeted in recent weeks, suffering three successive defeats in the Premier League. All these were comprehensive losses against Bournemouth, Burnley, and Newcastle United, with Marco Silva’s men not managing a single goal. But they have also won thrice in their last six outings, including two 5-0 victories in the league and a penalty shootout win in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
Arsenal: WLDWDL
Fulham’s form is marginally better than Arsenal’s in the last six outings, although the Gunners have suffered fewer defeats. One of the two losses came earlier this week at the Emirates against West Ham United. They also played out a 1-1 draw with Liverpool last weekend. The other time they were on the wrong end of a result was when they faced Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between Arsenal and Fulham comprehensively favours Arsenal, with the Gunners claiming 42 wins (D12 L8). They have not lost a game to their London rivals in 11 meetings (W8 D3), with most victories coming by a two-goal margin or higher. But the most recent clash — the reverse fixture this season — ended in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
Key Stats
- Following their 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in August, Fulham can avoid defeat in both Premier League meetings with Arsenal in a single season for just the third time. They previously did so in 2011/12 (W1 D1) and 2008/09 (W1 D1).
- Fulham have won their final league game in five of the last eight years (D2 L1), with their only defeat in this run coming against Sheffield United in the Championship in 2021.
- Arsenal have won their final league game in 12 of the last 16 years (D2 L2), including the most recent three in a row.
- Fulham have lost their last three Premier League games by an aggregate score of 0-8. They have not faced a defeat in four consecutive league games while failing to score each time since September 1971 in the second tier.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their most recent nine away London derbies in the Premier League (W7 D2).
Prediction and Betting Tips
A draw or a loss will mean Arsenal will have gone three games without a victory for the first time this season. But that situation will unlikely arise, with Fulham in a more dreadful run of form, failing to score in three successive matches. In addition, the Gunners’ excellent recent head-to-head record against the Cottagers means we are backing Arsenal to win.
Going back to Fulham’s recent goal drought, it will not be surprising if the run continues despite Arsenal’s recent vulnerabilities at the back. So, The Hard Tackle will back Arsenal to keep a clean sheet.
