Game Week 30 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Fulham

Arsenal face Fulham in a crucial London derby. With Saka back, the Gunners aim to build momentum ahead of Real Madrid. Can Fulham pull off a shock?

Arsenal's season could take a better turn in the run-in, will they beat Fulham on Tuesday? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Arsenal vs Fulham

Emirates Stadium

7:45pm

It’s crunch time in the Premier League; while many believe it’s already wrapped up by Liverpool, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be quick to remind everyone it’s not over until it’s mathematically over.

Fulham fell badly at the weekend at home to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup; it was a result completely against expectations as they lost 3-0 to end any hope of winning their first trophy in decades. Up next is a trip to the Emirates; they must do better.

It’s always amazing to have the Premier League back; midweek fixtures under the lights across grounds warm the heart, and what a way to return: a London derby between a team hoping to steal the title from the claws of Liverpool’s jaws and Fulham, a team punching desperately above their weight…

The two teams are in different headspaces; the Gunners must be fired up for their Champions League fixture coming up against Real Madrid, while Fulham have nothing to lose; they’re hoping for a potential European football next season; they can see this as a free hit, which helps take the pressure off.

The reverse fixture at Craven Cottage ended 1-1; Arsenal fans would remember the game bitterly as a late Bukayo Saka goal was chalked off by a VAR check with Gabriel Martinelli marginally ruled offside; they have scores to settle.

Speaking of Bukayo Saka, the Star Boy is back! Mikel Arteta confirmed in his presser that the Arsenal playmaker is back and available to start against Fulham; while he is expected to start from the bench, Arsenal fans can be glad that their favourite winger is available for selection again.

For Fulham, Antonee Robinson returned against Palace, but Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson are sidelined, while Reiss Nelson cannot play against his parent club as he’s currently on loan from Arsenal. Everyone else is available for selection to Marco Silva’s delight.

Ricardo Calafiori will sit this one out, but his injury doesn’t look long-term; the duo of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are out for the rest of the season, but with Saka, Martinelli and Leandro Trossard now available, the Mikel Merino experiment can now be rested for good.

Fulham will hope to defend deep and hit Arsenal on the counter with Raul Jimenez in top form, while the Lilywhites must pay attention to Arsenal’s wide men. It’s Arsenal’s to lose, and if they want to build momentum ahead of the Real Madrid game, they must win here.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.