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Arsenal v Fulham: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium

Saturday 18 January 2014 14:18 GMT

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere celebrates scoring the opening goal in the Gunners' 2-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Those waiting for Arsenal’s usual mid-season capitulation are yet to see anything materialise. Arsene Wenger’s side are top of the table and in fine form, winning their last four.

Even when struck with a setback, in the form of a 6 – 3 defeat to Manchester City, Arsenal have bounced back, winning four of their next five. It is Manchester City who are treading on Arsene Wenger’s long coattails, and the Gunners’ boss knows that anything but victory against Fulham will likely surrender their lead in the league.

Fulham have the worst defence in the division, and Arsenal’s brand of attacking football brings goals; they have only failed to score twice in the league this season. The loss of Walcott to injury will be a blow, but there is more than enough strength in depth to cope at the Emirates. Walcott’s set back will give a chance to explosive youngster Serge Gnabry who will look to cement his place in the first team.

While Arsenal are succeeding in not capitulating, Fulham suffered a disastrous result last week. A 4-1 home defeat to fellow relegation candidates Sunderland was the worst possible outcome for Rene Meulensteen’s side.

The scoreline was perhaps a little harsh on the Londoners though, and some confidence will be restored following a midweek cup win. The match will also give Dimitar Berbatov the chance to impress at the Emirates, the forward being heavily linked with the Gunners over the past few weeks.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Fulham 1 (Bent) Arsenal 3 (Giroud, Podolski 2) Premier League, August 2013

Fulham 0 Arsenal 1 (Mertesacker), Premier League, April 2013

Arsenal 3 (Giroud 2, Podolski), Fulham 3 (Berbatov 2, Kacaniklic), Premier League, November 2012

STATS:

Fulham have the worst defensive record in the league, they’ve conceded the most goals and only kept a clean sheet in 14% of their games.

Arsenal have not lost to a London team so far this season.

Fulham have only drawn one game this season.

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 1.22

Fulham to win: 13.0

Draw: 6.0

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm.

Arsenal - January transfer targets

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1/18Arsenal - January transfer targets

Arsenal - January transfer targets

Julian Draxler - Another player who Arsenal don't have a desperate need for but have constantly been linked with. There is certainly no denying the quality of the German youngster but a January move seems unlikely as Arsenal need to strengthen elsewhere.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Karim Benzema - Wenger is a long time admirer of Real Madrid's French striker, although he would not be a cheap option. He is also a player it seems unlikely that the Spanish giants would happily part with. Then again you might have thought the same thing about Mesut Ozil.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Andrea Ranocchia - Out of favour at the San Siro, Arsenal would probably face stiff competition from Man United and Chelsea if they moved for the highly-rated Italian defender.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Konstantinos Mitroglou - The Olympiakos forward is in red hot form and could well provide reasonably priced support for Olivier Giroud. Currently playing alongside Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell which could count in Wenger's favour.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Hakan Calhanoglu - Arsenal couldn't buy another attacking midfielder could they? Well rumour has it they are very keen on Hamburg's Turkish star Calhanoglu.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Winston Reid - While a West Ham defender from New Zealand might sound an unlikely target for Arsenal, their defence is a serious injury away from looking a little threadbare and Reid could provide value-for-money cover at the back.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Xabi Alonso - While the free transfer of Mathieu Flamini has helped, Arsenal still look a little lightweight in the centre of the park. The cultured Alonso would certainly improve things.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Ilkay Gundogan - Another luxury purchase for the Gunners and with interest from other Premier League clubs and Arsenal's more pressing needs in other areas of the pitch, it seems an unlikely move.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Antonio Sanabria - Arsenal are rumoured to already have a deal in place bringing the Paraguayan starlet to the club from Barcelona. If so then they have secured themselves a fantastic player.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Javier Hernandez - With Hernandez seemingly growing increasingly frustrated with a lack of first team opportunities at Man United, Arsenal could pounce for the proven Premier League goalscorer. It does however seem unlikely that Moyes would sell to a rival.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Kurt Zouma - Wanted by London rivals Chelsea as well, Zouma is a highly-rated young defender who could provide some much needed cover. Can Wenger get the better of Mourinho in the transfer market this time?

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Youssouf Mulumbu - An experienced Premier League player who would add a bit of oomph to Arsenal's midfield. The surprising recent sacking of West Brom manager Steve Clarke might also encourage Mulumbu.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Cheikhou Kouyate - Wenger has tried to sign the imposing defender in two separate transfer windows but with Anderlecht now ready to sell, this January could be a case of third time lucky.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Ciprian Marica - Another forward linked with a switch to the Emirates, the Romanian could provide a cheaper alternative to some of the bigger names Arsenal are rumoured to be pursuing.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Alvaro Morata - The young Real Madrid forward has been linked with a January loan move although he has stated a desire to stay in the Spanish capital.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Alexandre Pato - Linked with Arsenal once again, the Brazilian would be a surprise choice given his relatively modest recent performances since returning to play in his homeland.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Edin Dzeko - Despite scoring fairly consistently in his time at the club, there is a feeling that Dzeko somehow doesn't quite fit and he struggles to hold down a first team place as a consequence. A move to Arsenal would surely give him more playing time but it seems unlikely City would sell to a rival.

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Arsenal - January transfer targets

Dimitar Berbatov - The former Manchester United striker is reportedly keen to move on from Fulham. Appears a decent short term solution for the Gunners

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