Arsenal v Fulham preview

Diaby unlikely to feature; Pantsil suspended for Cottagers

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 27th February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Arsenal v Fulham preview

Hangeland: Grabbed the winner earlier in the season

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 3-0

SKY BET odds: Arsenal 4/9, Draw 16/5, Fulham 7/1

One to Watch: Andrey Arshavin

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Arsenal will welcome Fulham to Emirates Stadium on Saturday in the hope of breaking a three-match goalless sequence.

The Gunners have not conceded a single goal in their previous five games in all competitions, but have also failed to score in their last three Premier League outings.

Fulham on the other hand are yet to win away from Craven Cottage this season and have managed a woeful three goals in 13 games on their travels.

On top of that, the short trip across the capital will provide Fulham's third game in just six days after picking up wins over West Brom and Swansea.

However, boss Roy Hodgson will look to a fine 1-0 win over Arsenal at Craven Cottage earlier in the season as proof that his charges can more than match their illustrious opponents.

Team news

Arsenal continue to suffer from a host of injury problems, with Cesc Fàbregas, Theo Walcott, Eduardo and Emmanuel Adebayor all sidelined.

Abou Diaby is available despite picking up a calf strain in the midweek clash with Roma, although Alexandre Song is another option in the middle.

William Gallas received a kick to the ankle during the tie, but has shaken off the injury and will look to continue his revitalised partnership with Kole Toure in the centre of defence.

Andrey Arsharvin should make only his second start for Arsenal after being ineligible for the visit of Roma.

However, the Russian international may well be utilised on the wing if Arsene Wenger chooses to continue with the front pairing of Nicklas Bendtner and Robin Van Persie.

Meanwhile, Fulham are in the happy position of having no injury concerns, although John Pantsil will serve a one-match man after accumulating five yellow cards.

In his absence, Chris Baird is likely to fill in the right-back void, and Bobby Zamora should continue up front after finding the net twice in two games to well and truly end his goal drought.

Possible starting XI's

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Nasri, Denilson, Song, Arshavin, Bendtner, Van Persie.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora.

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