Arsenal vs Fulham – Match preview and team news

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The Football Faithful

·1 April 2025

Arsenal vs Fulham – Match preview and team news

Arsenal are back in competitive action this evening as they host London rivals Fulham in the Premier League.

The Gunners approach the final portion of the campaign residing in second place in the table.

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Mikel Arteta has received a huge boost personnel-wise, with Bukayo Saka recovering from a significant hamstring injury. The Hale End academy graduate is yet to appear in this calendar year after requiring surgery on the issue.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori faces a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury on international duty with Italy. The damage occurred in a Nations League match against Germany and he now joins Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz on the treatment table. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber has shaken off an illness that prevented him from representing his country.

Marco Silva will be demanding a swift response from his Fulham players after they crashed out of the FA Cup last weekend. They conceded three at home to Crystal Palace in the quarter-final to see their hopes of a trip to Wembley disappear.

Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete are both nearing a return from their respective issues while former Arsenal player Reiss Nelson is unlikely to feature until early next month.

Arsenal vs Fulham – Match preview and team news

Form

Arsenal: DWDDW

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last five games and they’ll be planning on carrying that momentum into the closing stages of the season.

Prior to the international break, Arsenal edged out Chelsea with a 1-0 home victory courtesy of a Mikel Merino header.

Mikel Arteta’s side are 12 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with nine games remaining.

Their attention will understandably be divided by the mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid next week.

Read – Arsenal predicted lineup and team news vs Fulham

Fulham: WDLWL

It was a disappointing afternoon for Fulham on the weekend as they exited the FA Cup with a whimper.

Marco Silva’s players typically attack a contest with tenacity and hunger but both elements were missing on Saturday.

A toothless display allowed Crystal Palace to put three past the Cottagers without reply at Craven Cottage.

However, the West Londoners still have plenty to fight for in the league. They currently occupy 8th position and are only three points off fifth place.

The prospect of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history is the perfect incentive for the youthful squad.

Read – Fulham predicted lineup ahead of Arsenal clash

Last Meeting

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal, Premier League, 8th December 2024

A late VAR intervention denied Arsenal from claiming all three points in the reverse fixture back in December. The hosts imposed themselves from the first whistle and raced into a lead in the 11th minute.

Kenny Tete’s searching pass found Raul Jimenez, who had made a darting run in behind the defence. The Mexican marksman composed himself before rifling the ball past David Raya and into the bottom corner.

Arsenal had chances to equalise in the first period as Bukayo Saka forced Bernd Leno into a smart stop and Declan Rice dragged an effort wide.

Mikel Arteta’s side have become renowned for their set-piece prowess and that’s where their leveller originated from shortly after the restart.

Rice’s deep delivery landed on the head of Kai Havertz, who directed the ball into the path of William Saliba. Instinctively, the Frenchman stuck out a leg and found the back of the net.

The legality of the goal was under intense scrutiny by VAR, but the replays revealed the boot of Antonee Robinson kept the goal scorer onside.

Suddenly, the visitors looked much more likely to find a second goal. Another dangerous corner from Rice ended up reaching the unmarked Thomas Partey, but the former Atletico Madrid man inexplicably missed the target from a few yards out.

With two minutes remaining of normal time, Gabriel Martinelli culred a cross to back post where Saka was perfectly positioned to nod past Leno. However, the jubilation in the away end was short-lived as another thorough VAR inspection showed that Martinelli was marginally offside in the build-up.

It was a damning blow for Arsenal in the title race and the nature of the draw resembled that of a defeat.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Emirates Stadium will be at 19:45 BST on Tuesday 1st April 2025.

Who is the referee?

John Brooks will be the match official. Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan will assist him while Oliver Langford will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Andy Madley and he will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis.

Read – Arteta backs Berta for big ‘impact’ at Arsenal