please log in to view this image English Premier League 2nd Jan 2012 KO: 17:30 Craven Cottage please log in to view this image Arsenal face Fulham at Craven Cottage in this Premier League encounter. Arsenal have had a very good weekend in terms of their results and the results of the teams above Arsenal. A win against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, saw Arsenal go back into the top four and in the process replacing Chelsea. The performance might not have delighted many but the results was the only thing that mattered and Van Persie delivered with his winner. Fulham earned a point away to Norwich at the weekend. They took the lead courtesy of a goal from Orlando Sa, but a late Norwich goal denied them the three points. Both teams have only had two days to rest so there could be a few changes for both teams. Both teams have already faced each other this season at the Emirates, that game ended in a draw. Thomas Vermaelen scored at both ends and the game ended all square. Fulham have had a very mixed season so far, they have had their moments but have also had heart breaking ones. A last gasp goal from Danish side Odense meant Fulham found themselves dumped out of the Europa League. They also have had different fortune when it comes to facing one of the sides from the top six. They beat Liverpool at home but then got trashed by Manchester United. Two games that sum up Fulham's season. From the good to the very ugly. Fulham then managed to gather themselves before the Chelsea game. Because they went and got a point away to their West London rivals. Fulham fans are yet to be fully convinced by Martin Jol because he has not had the same level of success the likes of Mark Hughes and Roy Hodgson enjoyed so far. According to some reports, Jol has had a few problem in the dressing room with the likes of Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora. Two players who are also injured and will not face Arsenal this Monday. But Fulham still pose a thread going forward through players like Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele. Both have impressed this season and can cause any defence problems. Big money transfer, Bryan Ruiz has also found some form as the season has progressed. At the back, Fulham have David Stokedale in goal and he was very impressive against Chelsea. Arsenal go into this game without any full backs and also now without Thomas Vermaelen who injured his calf in the win against QPR. So again, Arsenal are left very short in defence. Miquel or Coquelin are expected to try and cover at left back. But Wenger, has not ruled out going into the transfer window in order fix the problem at full back. Wenger has already confirmed the news that Thierry Henry will return to Arsenal on a short loan. But he will not feature against Fulham. Marouane Chamakh could get a rare start with Wenger thinking of resting star man, Van Persie. Gervinho will probably start for Arsenal for one last time before he goes to the African cup of Nations. This is a very hard game to call because of the short space of time Arsenal have to get ready for this game. The starting line ups are a massive unknown. But Fulham also have the same problem, and they have a weaker squad then Arsenal. With teams around them playing on the Tuesday, this is a massive chance for Arsenal to apply some pressure by getting the three points. It’s not going to be easy, for Arsenal playing at Craven Cottage because it never is. They managed a draw last time and a narrow win the season before. Arsenal will need to dig deep here to get the three points but if Arsenal can step up and get three points then it will be a massive boost in their chase for a Champions League place. 2012 could be a great year if Arsenal learn lessons from years gone by. With a great player and captain in their ranks they could do something to remember this year. Also with the likes of Jack Wilshere to come back its going to be a good year to look forward to. Hopefully, 2012 will brings good things to the Arsenal and hopefully the team can deliver the three points against Fulham. Teams News: (Will Be Updated) Form Guide: please log in to view this image Three Key Match-ups: please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Overall Record vs Fulham: Played: 50 Wins: 34 Draws: 9 Losses: 7 For: 108 Against: 56 GD: 52 Last 6 Meetings: Arsenal 1 - 1 Fulham Fulham 2 - 2 Arsenal Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham Arsenal 4 - 0 Fulham Fulham 0 - 1 Arsenal Arsenal 0 - 0 Fulham please log in to view this image Mangers Views: (Will Be Updated) My Team: please log in to view this image Final Score: please log in to view this image
Indeed. Also two wins in this short space of time will also show that we do actually have decent squad players.
Unless RVP has picked up an injury that nobody but you knows about, your starting line-up makes no sense.
He'll probably add like a million south koreans to be Arsenal fans, and if they buy £3 worth of merchandise each, Arsenal will have made a profit.
I think RVP should definitely start. Makes no sense to leave out your best player in such an important game.
no - I'd sub him anyway. We are now in the most likely time for injury to take RVP out- max protection, please.
