Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will be missing for another fortnight, having not completely recovered from the hamstring injury he picked up in midweek. The Spaniard injured himself against Braga in the Champions League and since then has been out of action.
First choice goal keeper Manuel Almunia will also miss the match today, having injured his elbow during training. However, Samir Nasri and Sebastien Squillaci seem to have recovered from their knee injuries and will most likely feature against Fulham.
There’s good news for Fulham as striker Andrew Johnson gets ready to make his return against Arsenal. The striker made a comeback after a 10 month injury against Birmingham, only to suffer a hamstring strain. However, he seems fit to start today at the Emirates.
Carlos Salcido is reportedly out after a recurring ankle problem, while Mousa Dembele, Bobby Zamora, Frederik Stoor and Phillipe Senderos are also sidelined for an indefinite period of time. Fulham will miss these host of players and might have to spend
in January if they don’t return soon.
Match Facts
Dutch international Robin van Persie has an impressive record against Fulham; the striker has a tally of four goals in the last six matches against Fulham in the Premier League.
The Gunners have managed to win seven and drawn two out of their last nine home fixtures against Fulham in the Premier League.
Fulham on the other hand, have a terrible record against the London side, they have not won away at Arsenal in over 24 matches in all competitions.
Out of their last 24 matches against Arsenal, Fulham have lost 21. In the last four out of five games against Arsenal, Fulham have failed to find the net even once.
Fulham have just managed to win three out of 43 London derbies away from home in the Premier League.
The only team to win the Premier League after losing thrice at home was Arsenal in the 2001-2002 season.
Arsenal have lost three of their last five fixtures at the Emirates in the Premier League this season.
Arsene Wenger’s side have not lost three consecutive home games since March 1977.
Fulham have not won any of their last 25 Premier League games away from home. However, their longest run without winning came from May 2006 to March 2008.
Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has scored six goals in his last 10 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League.
About 40% of Fulham’s goals have been header; this is a higher proportion than any other side in the Premier League.
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