Arsenal v Fulham LIVE: Team news as Gunners aim to stretch lead in Premier League title race | OneFootball

Arsenal host Fulham in a crucial Premier League encounter this afternoon that will have ramifications on the title race.

The Gunners currently sit top of the table with a three point lead over Manchester City though Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in hand on their title rivals. And it is Mikel Arteta’s side who play first this weekend with the Gunners taking on Marco Silva’s impressive Fulham in a London derby that can increase the pressure on the title challengers.

Arsenal know they cannot afford to drop points in any of their remaining matches but must also win convincingly as goal difference could yet play a part in deciding if the Premier League trophy ends up in London or Manchester this year.

But their task won’t be easy as Fulham come into the match on the back of a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over Aston Villa proving that they have the quality to challenge the teams near the top of the table.

There has been an edgy atmosphere at the Emirates in recent times, with Arsenal losing to Bournemouth just under three weeks ago before picking up an unconvincing 1-0 win over Newcastle last weekend.

Despite their recent struggles with finding their best form, Silva is still expecting a formidable challenge as he acknowledged Arsenal's quality.

"Arsenal are a top side, a side that are title contenders, that play to win all of their games, but are also the most solid team in the league,” he said.

“They are a team, that even if they are not playing at their best level, they have other ways to punish the opposition."

Silva aims to capitalise on Arsenal nerves

Fulham manager Marco Silva hopes his side can capitalise on any potential nerves and anxiety that could spread around the Emirates Stadium during Saturday’s visit to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners are currently in pursuit of their first Premier League title in 22 years, and sit three points clear at the top of the table, having played a game more than closest rivals Manchester City.

Fulham manager Silva, whose 10th-placed side harbour their own ambitions of European qualification, vowed his team would battle fiercely to secure a shock result amid what he anticipates could be a tense atmosphere in north London.

"Let’s hope we can use that," Silva stated during a press conference, referring to the potential for tension.

Marco Silva hopes his team can capitalise on any nerves inside the Emirates on Saturday (PA)

Havertz to miss Fulham game

The Spaniard confirmed attacker Kai Havertz and centre back Jurrien Timber will miss the Fulham clash. Havertz has been sidelined since picking up an injury against Newcastle United last weekend, while Timber has been out since March.

Arteta added that Havertz could be back for the ‌second leg fixture against Atletico.

"He's (Havertz) been a huge miss. We're talking ​about one of the most important attacking players that we ‌have and he's been out for ⁠seven or eight months," Arteta said.

"He cannot do this game ⁠but hopefully for Atletico he will be available. He is pushing every boundary to achieve ‌that."

Havertz has struggled with injuries this season (PA)

Lawrence Ostlere2 May 2026 15:23

Arteta calls on players to focus on title race

Having led the standings for much of the campaign, Arsenal's occasional dropped points have allowed Manchester City to close the ‌gap, with Pep Guardiola's side applying pressure by ‌stringing together a sequence of late-season victories.

The gap between leaders Arsenal and second-placed Man City is three points, with City having a game in hand.

"We have only four games to ⁠play now and everything is at stake, so it doesn't get better than that," Arteta said.