Arsenal v Fulham preview
Last Updated: November 9, 2012 1:40pm
Arsene Wenger: Looking to return to winning ways with Arsenal
Fulham enter Saturday's London derby seeking their first ever triumph at Arsenal as the Gunners bid to return to winning ways.
Arsene Wenger's men suffered a deflating 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend before throwing away a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw at Schalke in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Gunners have slipped to seventh in the Premier League table after losing three of their last five league games and will be keen to address that run on home soil in Saturday's capital derby clash.
They will be heartened by their home record against the Cottagers, who have never won away at Arsenal in any competition, losing 22 and drawing four of 26 visits.
But Martin Jol's men enjoyed a landmark win at Craven Cottage last season when they beat the Gunners 2-1 in their first Premier League success over the North Londoners.
Fulham also head to the Emirates knowing victory will lift them above Arsenal in the standings, with the Cottagers level on 15 points with Wenger's side but a place behind in eighth on goal difference.
Jol's team are unbeaten in four games, having won once in that run, with their last outing at home to Everton ending in a 2-2 draw when Steve Sidwell snatched a last-gasp equaliser.
Arsenal
Arsenal will be without midfielder Jack Wilshere for the Emirates clash as he serves the first game of a suspension.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is close to a comeback from his ankle problem and could be included in the squad, while midfielders Aaron Ramsey (groin) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hip) face fitness tests.
Winger Gervinho (ankle), defender Kieran Gibbs (thigh), midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) and Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) all continue their rehabilitation.
Fulham
Fulham midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is in a race against time to be fit for the short trip across the capital.
Cottagers boss Martin Jol revealed on Thursday the former Real Madrid star was no better than "50-50" to recover from his latest knee injury.
Midfielder Simon Davies is still recovering from a hip operation.
Opta facts:
- Arsenal have made their worst start in the Premier League under Arsene Wenger, taking just 15 points from their opening 10 games.
- Fulham have lost 12 points from winning positions this season, more than any other side.
- 38% of the 13 Premier League own goals this season have benefitted either Fulham (3) or Arsenal (2)
Previous game's starting line-ups
4-2-3-1
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1
Szczesny
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3
Sagna
-
4
Mertesacker
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6
Koscielny
-
28
Gibbs
-
16
Ramsey
-
8
Arteta
-
14
Walcott
-
7
Rosicky
-
19
Cazorla
-
9
Podolski
Team taken from Arsenal vs Newcastle (Barclays Premier League) on Sunday 19th May 2013
4-4-2
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1
Schwarzer
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27
Riether
-
4
Senderos
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5
Hangeland
-
3
Riise JA
-
16
Duff
-
12
Frimpong
-
31
Kacaniklic
-
33
Enoh
-
9
Berbatov
-
11
Ruiz
Team taken from Fulham vs Swansea (Barclays Premier League) on Sunday 19th May 2013
Latest Poll
Matches
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Barclays Premier League
Table
Barclays Premier League
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United | 38 | 89 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 38 | 78 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 38 | 75 |
| 4 | Arsenal | 38 | 73 |
| 5 | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 | 72 |
| 6 | Everton | 38 | 63 |
| 7 | Liverpool | 38 | 61 |
| 8 | West Bromwich Albion | 38 | 49 |
| 9 | Swansea City | 38 | 46 |
| 10 | West Ham United | 38 | 46 |
| 11 | Norwich City | 38 | 44 |
| 12 | Fulham | 38 | 43 |
| 13 | Stoke City | 38 | 42 |
| 14 | Southampton | 38 | 41 |
| 15 | Aston Villa | 38 | 41 |
| 16 | Newcastle United | 38 | 41 |
| 17 | Sunderland | 38 | 39 |
| 18 | Wigan Athletic | 38 | 36 |
| 19 | Reading | 38 | 28 |
| 20 | Queens Park Rangers | 38 | 25 |
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Arsenal's belter with Fulham and Everton's top-four hopes... Merse, Le Tiss and co air their views.
