Game Week 27 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Fulham

Game Week 27 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage - Premier League preview, betting tips, team news

 

Fulham has proven to be a stubborn side this season with their log standing an evidence of their good works but can they stop Arsenal on Sunday? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Fulham vs Arsenal

Craven Cottage

3pm

Fulham is punching above their weight in every sense of the word, and for once, the Lilywhites won’t be swapping places with Norwich City as always this season.

Relegation conversations are not even in the equation; it’s about finishing in European places now.

Fulham lost to the Bees last weekend but still stands a quality chance of making the top six.

A win over the Gunners at Craven Cottage on Sunday would take Marco Silva’s side to 42 points, level on points with Liverpool in fifth and only behind on goal difference.

It’s crunch time for Arsenal.

Manchester City’s gritty win at Selhurst Park on Saturday means the Gunners only lead the Cityzens by two points.

But if they do their business the way they should, the five-point gap would be restored.

A win at Craven Cottage and another at the Emirates against struggling Palace could open an eight-point gap between Arsenal and City, who will be in the FA Cup next weekend.

It’s a game Arsenal must win if they do want the title.

Fulham has been a very strong side in the league, and they hardly bulge.

The Gunners will also be facing some familiar faces, but Cedric Soares isn’t eligible to face his parent employers while Willian will be itching to show the Gunners his worth.

How will they line up?

Paulinha is suspended; he’d be a huge miss for Fulham, but Manor Solomon has been a revelation with his trademark cut-in and strike.

Aleksander Mitrovic will be interested in the duels as he got one over Arsenal’s Gabriel in the first leg.

The Gunners may be welcoming Gabriel Jesus back into the fold.

Leandro Trossard and captain Martin Odegaard are both fit to travel and could be named to start.

Fulham must prepare to stop Bukayo Saka on the right and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.

Thomas Partey is back fit for Arsenal, and he, along with Granit Xhaka, would be interested in winning the midfield battle.

A draw would be great news for the hosts, but anything short of victory is an invitation for Arsenal to invite pundits to question their title credentials.

Verdict: Both teams to score