Arsenal vs Fulham: Preview, Team News, Possible Lineups, Time and Score Prediction

Arsenal aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points when they host Fulham in a London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Mikel Arteta's side returns to domestic action following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Meanwhile, Fulham secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa last weekend, a result that will boost their confidence ahead of the short trip across the capital.

Unlike some of their European counterparts, who benefit from postponed league fixtures to aid their continental campaigns, Arsenal face a quick turnaround. The Gunners will take on Fulham less than 72 hours after a contentious clash in Madrid.

The Champions League encounter saw Arsenal take the lead through a Viktor Gyokeres penalty before Julian Alvarez equalised from the spot for Atletico. The match ended in controversy when a potential penalty for a foul on Eberechi Eze was denied, leaving Arteta "fuming" in his post-match comments. Despite the frustration, the result puts Arsenal in a strong position for the return leg.

Back in the Premier League, the league leaders ended a four-game losing streak across all competitions with a crucial, if unconvincing, 1-0 win against Newcastle United. That victory moved them three points clear of Manchester City at the summit.

With City not playing until Monday night against Everton, Arsenal have the opportunity to open up a six-point gap. Their formidable home record, having conceded just 11 goals at the Emirates in the 2025-26 league season, presents a daunting challenge for Fulham's attack.

Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, ended their own scoring drought with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, thanks to a first-half strike from Ryan Sessegnon. Before that victory, the Cottagers had failed to score in a 2-0 loss to Liverpool and a goalless draw with Brentford.

Despite their recent attacking struggles—scoring just four goals in their last seven matches—Fulham remain in 10th place, only two points behind sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion. European qualification is still a possibility, though speculation continues to link Silva with the vacant manager's job at Chelsea.

For now, Silva's focus is on ending Fulham's three-game winless and scoreless run on the road. History is not on their side, as the visitors have never won a Premier League away match against a team starting the day at the top of the table. Furthermore, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 32 home league games against the Cottagers, the longest such run in English football history.

Arsenal's victory over Newcastle came at a cost, with Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz picking up muscular issues. While Eze recovered in time to feature against Atletico, Havertz missed the midweek clash and is a major doubt for Saturday.

Arteta has also indicated that Jurrien Timber (groin) and Mikel Merino (foot) are still some way from returning to full fitness. On a positive note, Riccardo Calafiori was an unused substitute in Madrid after recovering from a knock and could be in line for a start. Bukayo Saka and Eze, who only made cameo appearances in the Champions League, are also expected to return to the starting lineup.

For Fulham, match-winner Ryan Sessegnon was forced off with an injury in the second half against Aston Villa, but manager Marco Silva is hopeful it is not a serious issue. However, former Arsenal academy player Alex Iwobi is ruled out with a thigh problem, while Kenny Tete and Kevin are also sidelined with ankle injuries.

Arsenal may see Antonee Robinson step in if Ryan Sessegnon is unavailable. Meanwhile, former Gunners Bernd Leno and Emile Smith Rowe are expected to feature for Fulham upon their return to their old stomping ground.

The match will kick off at 7.30pm (Kenyan time) and will be live on SuperSport TV.

Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze

Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez

Historically, trips to face Arsenal have been challenging for Fulham, and their current struggles in front of goal suggest this trend is likely to continue. Mikel Arteta's side, though potentially fatigued, may only need a single moment of brilliance or a well-executed set-piece to secure the victory, just as they did against Newcastle.