Arsenal host Fulham at the Emirates on Tuesday night and predictions have been made ahead of the clash.
The Gunners sit 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool with nine games remaining, and thus the Premier League title looks to be out of Mikel Arteta’s team’s grasp.
However, Real Madrid await Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final, and the North Londoners will be looking to use their next few league matches to build momentum ahead of the European showdown.
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage in December and will be hoping to overcome this Fulham hoodoo with victory in N5 this week.
- READ MORE: Predicted Arsenal lineup and XI vs Fulham as Mikel Arteta makes Bukayo Saka return decision
Paul Merson think Bukayo Saka won’t start against Fulham
Bukayo Saka returned to training last week, creating hope among the Arsenal fanbase that he might feature against Fulham.
Arteta confirmed in his press conference that Saka is ready, and didn’t rule out the possibility of the winger being selected from the start against the Cottagers.
However, former Gunners forward Paul Merson doesn’t think the Spaniard will throw Arsenal’s talisman straight back into the side.
Writing in his Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “I personally don’t think Bukayo Saka will start for Arsenal against Fulham. Mikel Arteta should not rush him in a game like this.
“If they are 2-0 up in the second half, maybe he can come on and get some minutes under his belt. But I would never force him onto the pitch if the game is still 0-0.
“I think the priority has to be keeping him at 100% for the Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
“If Fulham had won against Crystal Palace, I would have given them a chance in this game. But as things stand, I can’t see anything but a win for Arsenal.”
Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
Chris Sutton predicts Arsenal to beat Fulham
If Saka doesn’t start, it’s likely Arteta will revert to using Ethan Nwaneri, who impressed for the England under-21s in the international break, on the right-wing.
Mikel Merino will likely start up front again, with Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard off the left.
Despite having to field another makeshift front three, Chris Sutton backed the Gunners to overcome Fulham in his predictions.
Writing for BBC Sport, the outspoke pundit wrote: “It’s hard to know where some teams are at form-wise, coming out of the international break, and if Arsenal are not at the races then Fulham are going to to cause them more problems this time.
“I actually think the Gunners will find a way to win this one, though.
Bukayo Saka’s return after more than three months out will lift Emirates Stadium even if he starts the game on the bench and, if they need it, he will supply a spark whenever he gets on the pitch.”
Score Prediction:
While the title may be gone, it’s important that Arsenal tighten their grip on second place, and don’t get dragged into a top four battle.
If they manage to secure victories in their next two, Arteta’s side can focus even more on their European exploits.
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