The 2020/21 Premier League season gets underway on Saturday, with newly-promoted Fulham hosting Arsenal at Craven Cottage in the early kick-off.
Following a one-year absence from England’s top flight, Fulham are back in the big time having gained promotion via the Championship play-offs.
Scott Parker’s side finished fourth in the second tier last season, before seeing off London rivals Brentford in the play-off final.
Many believed the Cottagers would struggle after being relegated from the Premier League in 2018/19, but they have proved their doubters wrong and bounced back at the first time of asking.
Following successful loan spells last term, Anthony Knockaert and Harrison Reed have both been signed by Fulham on a permanent basis.
However, Fulham will be desperate to keep hold of Aleksandar Mitrovic while the transfer window is open. The Serbian striker finished as the Championship’s top scorer last term with 26 goals.
It’s safe to say that Arsenal have also been busy during the off-season. Cedric Soares and Willian have both joined on free transfers, while Gabriel Magalhaes has been signed from Lille for £23m.
After spending last season on loan at Saint-Etienne, highly-rated centre-back William Saliba is now at the Emirates and will bolster Mikel Arteta’s defensive options.
The Gunners finished last season in eighth place, although an FA Cup final victory over Chelsea saw them secure a Europa League spot at the expense of arch rivals Tottenham.
Arsenal endured a tricky start to 2019/20, but since Arteta replaced Unai Emery at the helm, it’s felt as though the club have been moving in the right direction.
The Gunners suffered just two defeats in their final eight games last term, while five victories – including a 2-1 win over champions Liverpool – saw them finish the season on a high.
Head-to-head: Fulham’s last victory in this fixture came all the way back in 2011. Since then, Arsenal have claimed five wins and two draws.
When the two sides met in the 2018/19 Premier League season, the Gunners clinched a 5-1 away victory before beating Fulham 4-1 at the Emirates.
It’s also worth pointing out that Arsenal have scored over 2.5 goals in four of their previous six league encounters with Fulham.
Team news: Fulham manager Scott Parker has no injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s clash. Mario Lemina could make his debut after joining on loan from Southampton.
David Luiz is a major doubt for Arsenal, with Rob Holding likely to start at centre-back. Shkodran Mustafi, Gabriel Martinelli, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers remain long-term absentees.
It’s difficult to know how both teams will fare after a six-week lay-off, but Arsenal’s superior head-to-head record in this fixture suggest that the away side should come away with all three points.
3 days to go! 🔴⚪ 💪 #premierleague #arsenal #gunners #newseason pic.twitter.com/qC423lWuGN— Willian (@willianborges88) September 9, 2020
3 days to go! 🔴⚪ 💪 #premierleague #arsenal #gunners #newseason pic.twitter.com/qC423lWuGN
Forebet predicts that Arsenal will continue the trend of notching up high-scoring victories over Fulham. Both teams are expected to score, although Arsenal are likely to net over 2.5 goals.