Fulham is set to host Arsenal in another thrilling Premier League showdown on December 08, 2024, at the beloved Craven Cottage. Arsenal is riding high this season, proudly sitting in 3rd place with some stellar performances. They’ve been on a roll, with recent results showing WWWWD.
Notably, they recorded a decisive 2-0 triumph over Manchester United. Meanwhile, Fulham is proving they are no pushovers either, climbing to 9th in the table, a nice jump from last season’s 13th place finish. Their recent form, WDLWW, includes a standout 3-1 victory over Brighton.
Historically, Arsenal tends to dominate this match-up, with 42 wins in their last 63 encounters. Yet, the Cottagers will remember their recent 2-1 win against Arsenal at Craven Cottage. The weather forecast predicts light rain, possibly quickening the pitch, which could be a bonus for Fulham’s swift counter-attacks, especially with Alex Iwobi—a former Gunner—playing a key role.
Fulham vs Arsenal Prediction & Betting Tip
Considering current form and dynamics, our top bet is for Arsenal to come out on top.
| Recommended Bet: Arsenal Win |
Arsenal enters the game as favorites. They carry both a cohesive squad and a solid record against Fulham. Given their excellent form and deep roster, they seem ready to handle the challenges from the home side. Their spot in the Premier League rankings further bolsters their odds for victory.
Fulham vs Arsenal Odds
The odds reflect Arsenal’s robust performance and Fulham’s underdog situation, even with home advantage.
| Fulham vs Arsenal Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Arsenal Win | 1.55 |
| Draw | 4.33 |
| Fulham Win | 5.67 |
Arsenal’s odds of 1.55 highlight their historical dominance and current streak. Fulham’s home win odds are 5.67, showing the challenge they face against consistent foes. A draw stands at 4.33, indicating that bookmakers expect a competitive battle.
Fulham vs Arsenal Live Streaming
The Premier League live broadcast is present in India with the Star Sports Network. The live streaming of the matches is available on the Disney+Hotstar website and app. Fans can watch Fulham vs Arsenal live streaming on Disney+Hotstar at 7:30 PM on Sunday, December 8).
Fulham Team Analysis
Fulham Recent Performance
Fulham showed grit by defeating Brighton 3-1, a shining example of their improving strength at home. In their last five matches, they’ve bagged three wins, one draw, and suffered just one loss. Standing 9th, they’re ambitiously chasing European competition spots. From these games, they scored an average of 1.80 and conceded 1.40 goals per match, a team with offensive clout.
| Recent Matches Summary |
|---|
| Wins |
| Draws |
| Losses |
| Goals Scored |
| Goals Conceded |
Facing Brighton and Crystal Palace, Fulham has demonstrated their capacity for b performances under Marco Silva’s leadership, showing they can challenge top-tier teams.
Fulham Key Players
Fulham’s attack relies heavily on Alex Iwobi, leading with five goals this season. As a vital part of their front line, Iwobi is set to shine against his former team. Emile Smith Rowe adds creativity in the middle, working closely with Raul Jimenez, who leads the charge in breaking past defenses. Bernd Leno is the experienced goalie, and his reunion with Arsenal adds a personal layer to the match. Harry Wilson, known for his speed and crossing, boosts their offense. In midfield, Sander Berge plays a key role in intercepting opposition moves, while Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey form a formidable central defense partnership to hold back Arsenal’s advances.
Fulham Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries and suspensions pose challenges for Fulham as they gear up for this clash.
| Player | Issue | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Harrison Reed | Knee Injury | Late December 2024 |
| Joachim Andersen | Calf Injury | Late December 2024 |
| Reiss Nelson | Hamstring Injury | Early January 2025 |
| Tom Cairney | Suspension (3-game ban) | Next match |
Fulham faces rotation challenges as key players like Harrison Reed and Joachim Andersen are out. Also, Reiss Nelson is injured and ineligible against his parent club. Therefore, squad depth and resilience are crucial as they call on other resources to overcome these obstacles.
Fulham Tactics and Formation
Fulham usually plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing defense with swift counter-attacks. Marco Silva will likely focus on fast transitions, using the pace of Iwobi and Wilson, both experts at stretching defenses. In the midfield, Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic are expected to stabilize and support forward charges. Raul Jimenez leads the attack, linking with creative mids like Smith Rowe. Full-backs Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson add defensive and offensive width on counter-attacks. Silva could target Arsenal’s defense early on, taking advantage of the home edge and strategic pressing to break Arsenal’s rhythm.
Arsenal Team Analysis
Arsenal Recent Performance
Arsenal arrives with confidence, having taken four wins from their last five games. This form includes a 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Known for tactical flexibility and sharp execution, the Gunners aim to solidify their spot among the league leaders. Under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, they’re firmly in 3rd place, showcasing their title aspirations.
| Recent Matches Summary |
|---|
| Wins |
| Draws |
| Losses |
| Goals Scored |
| Goals Conceded |
Their attack has netted 11 goals while their b defense has allowed just four, marking them as one of the league’s most balanced sides. Bukayo Saka, central in attack, continually shines with support from Martin Ødegaard’s playmaking and Mikel Merino’s dynamic midfield role.
Arsenal Key Players
Bukayo Saka is central, being Arsenal’s top scorer this season with five goals. His speed and skill are key to Arsenal’s attack. Captain Martin Ødegaard orchestrates the midfield, linking defense with attack. Declan Rice adds stability, offering both defense and creative flair. Additional scoring threats include Leandro Trossard, whose adaptability provides Arteta with tactical flexibility. Defensively, William Saliba strengthens the backline, ensuring less work for David Raya in goal. Mikel Merino also blends defense and attack in the midfield, adding depth.
Arsenal Suspensions & Injuries
The Gunners must manage injuries, which might influence Arteta’s strategy.
| Player | Issue | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Ben White | Knee Injury | Late January 2025 |
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | Knee Injury | Doubtful |
| Gabriel Magalhães | Physical Discomfort | Doubtful |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Physical Discomfort | Doubtful |
Arsenal’s defense will need adjustments as Ben White is on a long-term recovery. Gabriel Magalhães and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s potential absence means players like Jakub Kiwior become vital. Defensive resilience will pair with midfield support to enhance both defense and attack.
Arsenal Tactics and Formation
Arsenal is expected to deploy their 4-3-3 system, which enhances their attacking flair and ensures defensive readiness. This setup gives Arteta flexibility, using wide options like Saka and Havertz to stretch and penetrate Fulham’s defense. Ødegaard and Rice form a key midfield duo, blending creativity and cover.
Arsenal values possession, using swift passes to get past packed defenses. Saliba and Kiwior likely anchor the defense, focusing on counter-attack prevention and building from the back. Arsenal’s strength in set pieces remains a strategic focus, ready to exploit any fragility in Fulham’s defense.
Fulham vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Arsenal wins most encounters with Fulham. Yet, their last five meetings show mixed results, adding an element of surprise.
| Head-to-Head Results |
|---|
| Fulham 2-1 Arsenal (Dec 2023) |
| Arsenal 2-2 Fulham (Aug 2023) |
| Fulham 0-3 Arsenal (Mar 2023) |
| Arsenal 2-1 Fulham (Aug 2022) |
| Arsenal 1-1 Fulham (Apr 2021) |
Fulham’s win in December 2023 highlights their ability to challenge Arsenal at home. With both teams b in attack, a high-scoring game could be likely. Injuries and current team form will play big roles in deciding the match’s outcome.
Venue and Weather
The match is at Craven Cottage, Fulham’s historic home ground. It can be a solid fortress for the home team. Located by the River Thames, Craven Cottage offers a unique setting, enhancing Fulham’s home-game mood. Weather forecasts indicate light rain with temperatures around 6.63°C, creating a chilly, damp game atmosphere.
This could benefit teams that enjoy quick passes and ball control. These conditions might affect play, as both Fulham and Arsenal prefer swift movements and ball possession. Moderate winds aren’t likely to disrupt, but might require checking long passes. Both teams might lean towards short, sharp passes, using pace on the wings, while ensuring players hold footing. This setting promises a gripping battle at Craven Cottage.
