Arsenal will look to bounce back against Fulham in a London derby this weekend to wrap up the Premier League’s action for 2023.
The Gunners fell to a costly 2-0 defeat to London rivals West Ham in midweek that saw them surrender top spot to Liverpool and leaves them in fourth.
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Arsenal are competing for top spot again this campaignCredit: Getty
However, with Jurgen Klopp’s men not in action until New Year’s Day, Arsenal can still end the year on top of the table with a victory.
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking like strong contenders once again this season and a win against their London counterparts would maintain their confidence.
Marco Silva had his side playing some great football at the start of the month but three losses in a row have ruined their spirits heading into this one.
Fulham vs Arsenal: Conquering the Cottage
Arsenal have enjoyed trips to Craven Cottage in the last decade, not losing away at Fulham since January 2012.
The Gunners have won every game since then, returning to North London with three points in all of their last five meetings.
And in those games, they’ve scored a hatful of goals.
The last two fixtures between the two at the Cottage have ended 3-0 to Arsenal with first-half goals from Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard securing a win last season.
A 5-1 win in 2018 preceded that before a 3-1 win five years earlier followed a 1-0 win.
Arteta will be hoping his side can continue their incredible form on the road against Fulham as they look to continue their title challenge.
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Here’s how the two teams compare this season
Fulham vs Arsenal: Team news
Raul Jimenez will be back for Fulham this weekend after serving his three-game suspension for a straight red card.
Tim Ream and Adama Traore are also both in contention to make a comeback after recovering from their injuries.
Former Arsenal winger Willian will miss out though as he nurses a hamstring issue.
As for the Gunners, Kai Havertz is back available after serving his suspension for picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Liverpool.
Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber remain out though, as they aim for a January return.
Aaron Ramsdale will be on the bench for what could be the final time should a move away from the Emirates be sorted early in the transfer window.
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Jimenez has been a big miss while suspendedCredit: AFP
Fulham vs Arsenal: What has been said?
Arsenal are firm contenders for the Premier League title, but Micky Gray believes ‘problem’ Oleksandr Zinchenko could hinder their chances.
Speaking after the Gunners’ draw with Liverpool, former full-back Gray told talkSPORT that he thinks Zinchenko could affect their chances of a first title in 20 years.
“I’ve got to be honest with you, and I’ve seen him not just this game and it was a huge game, I think he might cost Arsenal the Premier League,” he told The Sunday Session.
“That’s how big of a problem it is. That’s not me criticising him saying he’s a terrible player because he’s not, he’s played for Manchester City, been there done it before.
“He’s certainly done it at Arsenal and it’s quite hard to criticise him at times when you think over the last year-and-a-half what him and I suppose his family and everything have been through.
“But judging on football and what I’ve seen, I think he’s a problem for Arsenal.”
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Zinchenko has been criticisedCredit: Getty
Fulham vs Arsenal: How to follow
This Premier League clash will take place on Sunday, December 31.
Kick-off at Craven Cottage is scheduled for 2pm.
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
talkSPORT will keep you up to date with all the latest build-up and reaction.
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