Fulham vs Arsenal : Match Preview

Arsenal will look to start the New Year with a bang, when they will face Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight. It will no doubt be a tough test for the North Londoners as the Cottagers are traditionally a tough team at Craven Cottage. This is the second game inside a space of three days for both the London clubs. Arsenal go to this game on a good run of form and on the back of a 1-0 win against QPR. Fulham’s previous game was against Norwich, which they drew 1-1.

Fatigue will be an issue for both the clubs, with these continuous run of games. Arsene Wenger said, “It will be tough again this time. You can see that everyone finds motivation against Arsenal, everyone organises well and stops us from playing. That will happen again at Fulham. But, after the three points against QPR, we will be very focused to get the win there.”

Defender Thomas Vermaelen will be out after suffering an injury in the QPR game, while Robin van Persie may be given a rest after dwelling over “the red zone” for quite a while now. With Gervinho gone, Arshavin may be given a start while Wenger has also the option of Rosicky, Benayoun and Oxalde-Chamberlain to use when necessary.

Fulham will be without Bobby Zamora, while Andy Johnson may return into the squad. Former Arsenal defender Senderos will start and may have a point or two to prove to his former club. In the middle Etuhu should start to provide space for the American Clint Dempsey ahead.