The Gunners approached the decisive stretch of the season with maximum motivation. Mikel Arteta's side lead the league by three points over Manchester City, but they have a game in hand and, based on the points they've dropped, could overtake them again. Dropping points now would be a fatal mistake in the title race. Arsenal are virtually unbeatable at the Emirates Stadium, with 13 wins in 17 home matches and a goal difference of 37:11. Even the losses (Havertz, Merino, Timber) don't seem critical against the home side's deep bench.
Fulham, on the other hand, are one of the league's weakest away teams, with just four wins in 17 away matches. Marco Silva will be without key players: main playmaker Iwobi is out, while Tete and Sessegnon are injured. The Cottagers have failed to score in four of their last six matches, and their away attack (0.94 goals per game) is hardly a threat to one of the league's best defenses.
The Gunners are preparing for a tough return match against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, but the team can't afford to rotate their play now, as dropping points today would practically ruin their chances of winning the title. Fulham have never won away from home against the Gunners in their entire history—32 attempts, 32 defeats. The match will likely end 2-0 or 2-1—a confident victory for the hosts, with a predictable outcome.
