Arsenal
Fulham Vs Arsenal – Line-ups, Injury News, Match Facts, Preview And Prediction
Fulham vs Arsenal
Aug 24, 2013 at 12.45pm (UK)
Craven Cottage
Arsenal head into the match on the back of a 3-0 win over Fenerbache as they look to salvage their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign. Fulham on the other hand, despite being on the back foot for most of the match against Sunderland last week, came away with all three points and would be hoping for atleast a point when they host the Gunners in an early Saturday kickoff.
Manager Martin Jol will be hoping for a similar defensive solidity ahead of the visit of Arsenal this week. However, in front of the home fans, and in the local London derby, fans would want to see a little more from the club than to simply stay back and defend.
Arsenal who are in a world of trouble with all the unexpected injuries they have suffered will be entering the match without defender Laurent Koscielny who will serve his one match ban following his red card against Villa. The corresponding fixture last season, saw a low-scoring affair, as Arsenal’s big German Per Mertesacker scored the only goal of the game to lead Arsenal to a 1-0 win.
Injury and Team News:
For Arsenal, the injury list does not look good. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who suffered a knee injury will be out of the game for atleast three months adding to Arsene Wenger’s long list of injured players. While midfielder Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta is not expected anytime sooner, defender Nacho Monreal is fit and available for selection.
Here’s what the boss told Arsenal.com:
on Laurent Koscielny…
He’s like a boxer who had a hard fight the night before; lots of blood around his eye and a deep cut. He is suspended for Saturday anyway but let’s hope he recovers for next Tuesday [against Fenerbahce]. It will be short because the cut is very deep. Hopefully it will be alright.
on other team news…
The news is quite positive at the moment. Of course we have some players who I will need to consider because of the accumulation of the international game and then the Premier League and Champions League matches. I will have to make a deeper analysis tomorrow and on Saturday morning.
on Ryo…
He is back in full training now. He will be involved this season in the first-team squad. Hopefully very soon because he’s now getting fit.
on Vermaelen…
He is out running. He’s on the pitches again. But there’s still a good few weeks to go for him to get his fitness. We have Nacho back and Thomas soon back so that’s all good news for us.
For Fulham, Martin Jol will be without the services of newly signed goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and left back Kieran Richardson, as the duo were injured in the opening-day win, and Jol will have to solely depend on Brede Hangeland to spear head his side’ defensive duties making its task of defending more difficult. Alexander Kacaniklic may return to the first team after declaring himself fit again.
However the main talking point for Fulham would be the introduction of their two new signings, Darren Bent who was on the bench last time around is expected to start this week and Scott Parker is also expected some gametime. It will be interesting to see how the Gunners manage to defend the likes of Berbatov and Bent.
Match Facts:
- Arsenal took 19 points in London derbies last season, more than any club from the capital. Victory would see them become the first club to register 100 London derby wins in the Premier League.
- Only Manchester City (34) conceded fewer goals than the Gunners (37) last season.
- All 12 of Olivier Giroud’s 12 Premier League goals have been scored in London (11 at the Emirates Stadium).
- Fulham have lost their last four home matches dating back to last season, including April’s 1-0 defeat to the Gunners. They were beaten nine times at Craven Cottage during the 2012-13 campaign – the equal-most home defeats in last season’s Premier League.
- The last time Fulham started a campaign with back-to-back victories was their 2000-01 promotion-winning season when they won their opening 11 fixtures.
- Darren Bent has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League games against Arsenal.
Possible starting lineups:
Fulham: Stockdale; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Briggs; Boateng, Parker; Taarabt, Berbatov, Duff; Bent
Arsenal: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Rosicky, Wilshere, Ramsey Cazorla, Walcott; Giroud
Soccersouls Prediction:
Expecting a 1-2 win for the Gunners and a fiercely contested London derby.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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