Game Week 35 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Fulham

Viktor Gyokeres must step up for the Gunners on Saturday as they hope to win a game that takes them six points clear at the top of the log. ...

Viktor Gyokeres must step up for the Gunners on Saturday as they hope to win a game that takes them six points clear at the top of the log. (Photo credit: Khel)

 Arsenal vs Fulham

Emirates Stadium

5:30pm

Only 12 Premier League points stand in Arsenal's way of the title. A win over Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday moves the Gunners one step closer to their first title in 21 years.

Arsenal has a date with Atletico Madrid on the same ground on Tuesday, but everyone at Arsenal recognizes the importance of three points against Fulham. It's impossible to dream of the title if Arsenal drops points on Saturday.

Fulham is among a host of clubs fighting for European places on the log. Crystal Palace could leapfrog them into the Europa League with a triumph in the Conference League, leaving every remaining game as important as one can imagine for Fulham.

Fulham beat Aston Villa last weekend to move to 10th on the log. A win for the Lilywhites at the Emirates will take them straight to 6th on the log. There's a chance that a 6th-place finish could qualify for the Champions League, with Villa and Forest having something to say about that.

The Gunners beat Newcastle last weekend to return to the top of the log, but the win came at a huge cost. Apart from the fact that it drained them, as seen at full time in the body language of many of the players, they also lost Kai Havertz to injury.

The finish line is near; Mikel Arteta knows this, but his familiar foe isn't going anywhere. Pep Guardiola retains huge belief in Manchester City's chances of winning the title. The six-time Premier League champion was in a relaxed mood in his presser, but you could sense the fear in Arteta's tone.

Fulham doesn't travel well to the Emirates. They hardly pick up points away at Arsenal. To beat Arsenal on Saturday, Fulham must stay disciplined and compact. They saw Bournemouth do it; they can dream too.

Arsenal must beat Fulham. The infuriating backpasses must stop. The fans are tired of the negative football they've seen for the best part of the season. Arsenal players must prove that they deserve to be champions.

Bukayo Saka is fit and available to start. Mikel Arteta will keep an eye on the midweek game in the Champions League, but he's expected to field a strong side to fight for three points against Fulham.

Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi will miss this one. Kenny Tete and Kevin are both unavailable, while Ryan Sessegnon will face a late fitness test after picking up a knock in their victory over Villa, in which the former Spurs player netted the winner.

Jurrien Timber is definitely out of this one, but Arteta thinks the Dutchman could still feature this season. Martin Odegaard is a doubt for this one, leaving Eberechi Eze as the only option in the middle of the park for the Gunners.

Viktor Gyokeres has points to prove. Depending on who the manager picks on the flanks to support the Swede, this is the time for him to step up to drag the Gunners over the line. It's theirs to lose.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.