Arsenal vs Fulham: prediction, head-to-head stats and probable lineups — 02.05.2026
One of the marquee matchups of Premier League Matchday 35 will unfold on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium in London, where Arsenal host Fulham. For Mikel Arteta’s side, this is far more than just another fixture—it’s a crucial chapter in the title race, where even the slightest slip-up could open the door for Manchester City. Here’s my take on the likely outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
Match preview
Arsenal enter the game under maximum pressure: their lead over Manchester City stands at just three points, with City still having a game in hand. Arteta’s men now not only need to win but ideally rack up big victories, as goal difference could prove decisive if the teams finish level on points—an area where the Gunners’ cushion is minimal.
Yet, facing Fulham is hardly a recipe for a walkover. Recent meetings have rarely been straightforward for Arsenal: they’ve managed wins by 2-1 and 1-0, drawn 2-2 and 1-1, and even suffered a 1-2 defeat. Fulham are a side that know how to stifle the tempo and drag favorites into nervy, hard-fought battles. The return of Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori gives Arteta more options, but Jurriën Timber remains more of a bench solution for now.
Fulham are still clinging to hopes of a late run into European contention, but Marco Silva’s team have lacked consistency. The gap to ninth place is minimal, but the mid-table is tightly packed, and the Cottagers have picked up just two wins, two draws, and one defeat (0-2 to Liverpool) in their last five matches.
The visitors’ main problem is their away attack, which has noticeably dried up down the stretch. Fulham have failed to score in three consecutive away matches: a 0-0 with Nottingham Forest, a 0-2 loss at Liverpool, and another 0-0 against Brentford. Missing Iwobi, Kevin, and Tete, plus doubts over Sessegnon, will only make the task in London even tougher.
Probable lineups
- Arsenal: Raya, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapié, White, Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard, Trossard, Madueke, Gyökeres.
- Fulham: Leno, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne, Robinson, Lukić, Berge, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze, Jiménez.
Head-to-head facts and key stats
- Both teams have scored in six of the last eight meetings between Arsenal and Fulham.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in eight of the last eleven clashes between these sides.
- Fulham have won just one of their last eight Premier League away matches and have failed to score in three consecutive away games.
The Gunners have the best home record in the Premier League (41 points from 17 games).
Arsenal rank in the league’s top three for xG (66.83).
Since the 2022/23 season, Arsenal have scored 2+ goals in four of their seven London derbies with Fulham.
Prediction
Arsenal are objectively the stronger, deeper, and more motivated side: the title race leaves no room for caution at the Emirates. Yet, head-to-head history suggests Fulham rarely collapse against the Gunners and know how to keep games competitive. Expect relentless pressure from the hosts, plenty of wing play and set pieces—but not necessarily a rout. The optimal prediction: an Arsenal victory in a high-scoring but hard-fought contest.
