Fulham vs Arsenal
The last time I covered a Fulham match in the Premier League, the only thing cruising the Thames was the side which would go onto retain the league championship.
There was no shame in the gap that day between the west Londoners and the champions for there was a gulf in resources, as well as class.
That day the spirited but limited opponents failed to muster a single effort on target.
A year can be a long time in football, however, and the Cottagers, thrashed on a regular basis in the top flight last time out, are now returning with renewed optimism after winning the Championship play-off final little over a month ago.
Talking Points
Their final match in the top flight in May last year acutely highlighted the job manager Scott Parker faced to rebuild Fulham.
As the Guardian so eloquently reported at the time: Fulham offered little. “Come on!” screeched a plaintive voice in the Johnny Haynes Stand. “Where’s the urgency?!” As rhetorical questions go, though, the honest answer was that urgency began to go missing back in August, not long after the optimism of promotion began to unravel.
Eighteen months on and the club seems a happier place after the second promotion in three seasons but it’s vital that optimism doesn’t disappear as quickly again.
If Fulham are going to enjoy plenty of Premier League highlights much will depend on Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. He was crucial last season, scoring 26 times, but has a point to prove in the Premier League. Can he produce on a regular basis in the top level?
This is where the real test begins of course and they are taking on an in-form side to begin with.
The FA Cup holders and Community Shield winners no less and a team which enjoyed a bumper August under Mikel Arteta but, perhaps most importantly of all, a side seemingly heading in an upwards direction and full of confidence.
If Mitrovic has to test himself at the top level, one man who certainly has already proved his worth is captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Anyone citing the importance of the frontman would be excused for feeling like a stuck record but, assuming his new contract is signed as planned, he will be fundamental to anything Arsenal and Arteta achieve.
Brazilian Willian, who makes the short move from London rivals Chelsea, should be an excellent addition and has admitted to being enamoured of Arteta’s plans which prompted him to sign a three-year contract.
Fulham have been busy enough in the transfer market themselves with Parker committing to a three-year deal and snapping up France international goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris St-Germain, defender Antonee Robinson from Wigan Athletic on a four-year deal and Southampton midfielders Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed – the former two will surely be regular starters.
How they adapt to life at Fulham could be the difference between survival and a repeat of 2018/19.
History
Overall, as you’d expect, Arsenal have a distinctive edge, winning 39 of their 57 clashes and losing just eight.
The last time Fulham defeated the Gunners was in January 2012 when Laurent Koscielny put Arsenal ahead before late goals from Steve Sidwell and Bobby Zamora sent the home fans into raptures – just the latest in a series of defeats which exposed Arsenal’s mental weaknesses.
There was no such repeat in 2018/19 as Arsenal won both league matches emphatically.
They won 5-1 on the Thames with Alexandre Lacazette and Aubameyang each helping themselves to braces, while the re-match was a 4-1 success with Lacazette and Aubameyang (who else!) again among those on target.
Fulham remain without a win at Arsenal in any competition (played 29, lost 24). They made their first visit to their London neighbours in February 1904 when they lost 3-2 in the FA Cup at the Manor Ground in Plumstead.
Betting Tip
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Fulham vs Arsenal | Arsenal First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.25 |
| September 12. 19:30 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds make Arsenal clear favourites to beat the newly promoted hosts.
Arsenal 1X2 @ 1.55, contrasts with 1X2 draw @ 4.20 and Fulham @ 5.40.
It’s a similar story with Asian Handicap odds with Fulham priced at +0.75 @ 2.19 and Arsenal -1.00 @ 1.98.
There have been plenty of goals, mainly in the Fulham net, in recent seasons and over 3.00 goals @ 2.25 is testament to that recent history.
Total goal 4-6 @ 3.15 is far more attractive than total goal 2-3 @ 1.97.
Or can opening day enthusiasm, even behind closed doors, inspire Fulham to an opening day draw (or even win)? If so, how about Double Chance Fulham or Draw @ 2.35.
It really is hard to see anything but Arsenal getting off to a winning start here.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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