Arsenal head into a defining weekend in the title race, hosting Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with the chance to move six points clear at the top of the table.
- +Arsenal target six-point lead as Fulham visit Emirates
City, who have a game in hand, sit second on the table, three points behind, and will not play until Monday when they face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, PUNCH Online reports.
City, who have a game in hand, sit second on the table, three points behind, and will not play until Monday when they face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, PUNCH Online reports.
The match comes amid a decisive stretch of the season for Arsenal, who are also balancing a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid in the coming days.
Fulham, meanwhile, arrive chasing European qualification, sitting just two points outside the continental places.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta underlined the stakes and urgency ahead of the fixture.
This is as he insisted in a Friday preview obtained from the club’s website by our correspondent on Saturday that the club sits at the position he wants currently.
He said, “I think we have enough fuel in the tank; we’re playing to win the Premier League, and it’s exactly where we want to be. Four games to go, it’s game two, I’m ready to go.
“Let’s keep doing what we’ve done all season and bring that energy, that passion and together we’re going to make it happen.
“I’m extremely grateful for the support, the atmosphere that we have created at Emirates. We always want more, we always want better, we always want every single action to be so positive behind the players. The more we do that, we all know that the outcome is going to be much better.”
Fulham boss Marco Silva insisted his side will approach the match without fear despite Arsenal’s form and home record.
“Whether the environment is tense or not depends on how we play and whether we are good enough to make it happen. Simple as that.
“Arsenal are a top side, a side that are title contenders, that play to win all of their games, but are also the most solid team in the league. We also enjoy this type of situation, we just have to look at ourselves and be competitive. Three points to fight for – and we will fight,” he said.
Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber due to groin injuries, while Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a foot problem.
There is hope Martin Ødegaard will be available after being substituted in midweek.
Fulham are without Alex Iwobi, who misses the game against his former club through hamstring injury, and Ryan Sessegnon, who is ruled out with a muscle issue.
Kenny Tete could return as he regains fitness, while Kevin remains unavailable.
