The 2020-21 Premier League returns on Saturday lunchtime with promoted Fulham welcoming the FA Cup holders Arsenal to Craven Cottage.
Fulham have made loan deals for Harrison Reed and Anthony Knockaert permanent, whilst also bringing the likes of Mario Lemina and Antonee Robinson to the club.
Scott Parker managed to keep Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tom Cairney at the club last term and the pair will again be key as they look to survive in the Premier League.
Arsenal have had a relatively quiet window so far, however the additions of Gabriel and Willian will improve a squad that wants a Champions League return.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has hinted he will sign a new deal with the club, which would represent their best piece of business this summer.
Match history
Arsenal won both meetings when Fulham were last in the Premier League, scoring nine goals in the two games.
Fulham’s last league win over Arsenal came back in 2012, a narrow 2-1 success at Craven Cottage.
Last five Premier League meetings
Arsenal 4 Fulham 1 – 01/01/19
Fulham 1 Arsenal 5 – 07/10/18
Arsenal 2 Fulham 0 – 18/01/14
Fulham 1 Arsenal 3 – 24/08/13
Fulham 0 Arsenal 1 – 20/04/13
Arsenal HT / Arsenal FT – 7/5 with Bet 365
Team news
Alphonse Areola is expected to come straight into the XI for Fulham having joined on loan from PSG this week.
Of the other new signings, Mario Lemina should start, but Antonee Robinson may have to make do with a spot on the bench.
Arsenal fear David Luiz could be sidelined for up to six weeks after aggravating a neck injury in the Community Shield.
Kieran Tierney is likely to move into a central defensive role, meaning Ainsley Maitland-Niles will likely continue as a wing-back.
Expected starting XI’s
Fulham (4-3-3): Areola; Odoi, Ream, Hector, Byram; Lemina, Reed, Cairney; Knockaert, Mitrovic, Cavaleiro
Arsenal (3-4-3): Leno; Saliba, Holding, Tierney; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Maitland-Niles; Willian, Nketiah, Aubameyang
Predictions
Result: Arsenal (11/20 with Bet 365)
Correct Score: 1-3 (12/1 with Bet 365)
Anytime Goalscorer: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (10/11 with 888 Sport)
Odds correct at time of article, they are subject to change
