Arsenal travel to Fulham on Sunday with an opportunity to avenge their defeat in last season’s clash at Craven Cottage. The Gunners have found their feet again after a tricky November and are on a four-game winning streak.
A win over Manchester United in midweek was seen as their most challenging festive test on paper but Marco Silva’s side would certainly have a strong argument to suggest they present an even trickier proposition. Sitting sixth in the table and with a chance to close the gap to the Gunners to just three points with another win provides a very clear view of their threat.
Mikel Arteta has some concerns to consider and as usual, was unwilling to provide much in the way of insight into his team’s status before the weekend. With the chance for another training session on Saturday, there are still decisions to be made but a dream scenario could see several return.
David Raya is expected to start in goal and has been the most consistent and ever-present figure in the side this season. Debates surrounding how he matched up with Aaron Ramsdale have disappeared very quickly.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are also both consistent figures in the team now, especially in the absence of Ben White. However, the left-hand side has been in a state of upheaval throughout the season due to injury.
Both Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori missed the visit of Ruben Amorim’s side. Mikel Arteta said after the game that he hoped there was a chance they might return and therefore in this dream scenario hopefully that will indeed be the case.
