After barely a month of FA Cup and Community Shield action, Arsenal is back in the opening fixtures this weekend. The side will be traveling to the Craven Cottage to take on newly-promoted Fulham with kickoff at 2:30 pm.
Last season was a forgettable one for the Gunners finishing eighth in the table. It was the worst run for the North London side 25 years ago. However, the end was an impressive one for the side under coach Arteta.
The side managed to win the FA Cup from Chelsea and snatch up a Community Shield win from Liverpool. The FA Cup win gives Arsenal a direct entry into the Europa League. It was a trouble-filled season that witnessed three managerial changes.
Arsenal is looking for a threat for a top-four finish depending on their activity in the open transfer window. The Gunners secured the signing of former Blues Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes, and on-loan Ceballos back.
Fulham enjoyed a successful playoff win against Brentford that saw the side promoted to the Premier League. The Cottagers played only one friendly against side MK Dons ending in a 2-2 draw. Arsenal played the same MK Dons and finished in a 4-1 win with a youth splash ruling the second half, netting three goals.
Fulham vs. Arsenal Head to Head
Both sides have 19 games against each other, with Fulham with three wins while Arsenal with 12 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Brentford 1-2 Fulham
Fulham 1-2 Cardiff City
Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham
Fulham 5-3 Sheffield Wednesday
Away
Arsenal 1 (5)- 1(4) Liverpool
MK Dons 1-4 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Arsenal 3-2 Watford
Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
Fulham Team News
The Cottages recently signed right back Tete from Lyon but is yet to report to training to feature this weekend. Alphonse Areola recently joined the side on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Joe Bryan, who emerged the hero for the side after netting the winning goals for promotion, will be looking for a first start.
Arsenal Team News
David Luiz recently picked up a neck injury that rules him out for four weeks. It gives Rob Holding a starting XI alongside sensation William Saliba. Willian will be looking to make the first debut for the side after completing his move.
Prediction and Odds
We expect Fulham to put up a fight with their first match in the England top flight, but their histories give Arsenal an edge.
Arsenal Win
Goals Over 2.5
Aubameyang to Score