Arsenal v Fulham; Premier League Match Preview

We said it last week, the run of three games that began with Norwich and ends on Saturday with Fulham are vital to Arsenal’s top four aspirations. With 4 points secured a win is a must have in order to keep pace. And against Fulham at home – it’s no certain thing.

The enduring memory of the last time these two met was Mikel Arteta’s PK miss in stoppage time that would’ve won the match that was anything but easy. It was a cagey affair of back and forth, with Arsenal in the midst of one of their worst runs of consistency in the season. The bright spot all game however, was the tandem of Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud who were having a good run against Martin Jol’s defense.

Theo Walcott especially was a threat almost every time he ventured down the right channel. Walcott was simply brilliant in this match up last time and it is why I expect him to feature again. He had 2 okay maybe 1 and a half assists in this game. He set Giroud up beautifully with a cross that was headed home by the Frenchman. Than later in the match when needing to draw even with Fulham, following in an Olivier Giroud shot that rebounded off the post, the England international put the ball into the six yard box that again was slotted home by Giroud.

Arsenal defensively were a mess this game. First, third string ‘keeper Mannone was in net. And the defensive errors that were a trademark of Arsenal this season were in full bloom.  We’re pretty much saying it week in and week out – but it bares repeating – they have to cut that out and remain focused or they will pay for it. Fulham were at their abject worst against Chelsea in the midweek, falling apart after the scoring was opened up. But they are not a bad team and have provided fits to the likes of United and Tottenham this season.

Arsenal’s renewed focus on defense is encouraging and is certainly one of the main reasons why we are back in the chase for Champion’s League qualification.  However, the last two matches have seen Arsenal frustrated once again in creating chances against teams determined to defend against them.  Fulham like to play with two banks of four. They will look to frustrate Arsenal and it’s why I hope that Rosicky is fit to play. Rosicky is much better at directly attacking a team regardless of how many defenders they have back. His pentration of a defense forces them back into the 18 and when you pin them back like that anything can happen.

Not a knock on Wilshere, who my gut tells me will still start, but I’ve noticed with him in the lineup we tend to go more side to side and backwards then forward. It’s not about his skill, more to do with Jack’s experience right now. Like Chamberlain there are things he is still learning. Rosicky for all his injury woes knows when to give up the ball rather than force a situation that results in a broken down attempt for holding on to the ball too long.

Arsenal need to get direct. Fulham are a thin squad and Wednesday they really didn’t seem to have any answers once they got behind City. Much like they did against United, once they got behind, they lacked any real creativity to make a go of it. Where they become tough is when they get ahead. They defend well. Granted you like to have a go at Phillipe Senderos who is absolutely woeful on the ground though a force in the air.  But overall Arsenal’s best chance is to go into the half with a lead.

Alot of us are down on Arsenal. We want to win silverware not qualify for the Champion’s league only. The majority of even the most ardent positive Gooners get that. But for now that is sadly not our way. We can only hope for continued participation in Europe’s centerpiece competition.  For Arsenal to do that, they need to win. Winning against Fulham will put a nice cap on an important week.  With Chelsea playing Liverpool and Tottenham playing City, it is definitely an important 3 points for Arsenal to take.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal. Theo Walcott. He had his way with Fulham at the Emirates. He offered too much speed and guile (yes guile) for them to thandle. Now hopefully with Arsenal defensively fixed, they can use that skill and keep a lead.

Fulham. Dimitar Berbatov. He’s not the force he seemed to be before he was shipped off by United. But he is still a potent threat. Arsenal’s defense will have to maintain their heads and composure in order to keep him quiet.

Projected Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Diaby (knee), Fabianski (rib)

Fulham: Duff (hip), Diarra (knee), Dejagah (ankle)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Cazorla 12

Fulham: Berbatov 13

Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Walcott 10

Fulham: Duff 7

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 3

Fulham: 3

Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.4

Fulham (home): 1.6

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 0.9

Fulham (home): 1.4

Last Five:
Arsenal: DWWWW

Fulham: LDLWW

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 29

Fulham:  -7

Match Official:
Referee: Andre Marriner. Matches: 21. R1 Y65. 4Pk

Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer.TV 10:00 AM EST

UK: BBC MOTD 1 – Highlights

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Fulham: 1