Preview: Fulham vs Arsenal

In a crowded fixtures list in the festive period, Arsenal take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in the first match in the year 2012. The game is played at 5:30 GMT and the referee will be Lee Probert. The last time Fulham beat Arsenal was in August 2008. Wenger will probably start with Walcott, van Persie and Gervinho up front. The last time that Arsenal met Fulham was in November 26th at the Emirates, where a 1-1 draw was characterised by an own goal by Vermaelen and a goal for Arsenal by the same player.

Since 2008, Arsenal have won 3 encounters with Fulham and another 3 matches finished in a draw. With van Persie failing to break Alan Shearer's 36-goal in a calendar year record by just one goal (35 goals in 2011), he is likely to get on the scoresheet again on Monday. Dempsey is Fulham's most dangerous player, having scored 9 times this season in all competitions. Fulham have only won the London derby against QPR (6-0) this season, losing against Tottenham, and finishing with a draw in three other derbies. Senderos, an ex-Arsenal player, is likely to be at the heart of Fulham's defence.




Prediction: The fact that Fulham are playing at home helps them with the majority of supporters backing them. Having drawn against Norwich and Chelsea in their last two matches, we predict that Fulham will also hold Arsenal to a draw on Monday.