What: Premier League Round 2
Who: Fulham (13th, 0pts) vs Arsenal (8th, 3pts)
When: Saturday 23 August, Kick-off 17:30
Where: Craven Cottage, London

The first London derby of the new season favours Arsenal. This Premier League fixture, held at Craven Cottage, has only occured seven times in the past, and the north Londoners have emerged victorious no less than six occasions - despite playing away from home.

Both clubs have made headlines this week: with Wenger’s eyebrow-raising trouvaille of strengthening his defence with long-serving Mancunian servant Mikael Silvestre; and Roy Hodgson’s sanctioning of David Healy’s transfer to Sunderland.

The Northern Ireland international was seen as surplus to requirements due to the west London club’s Andy Johnson coup. Johnson is unlikely to start this weekend though due to carrying an injury brought over from his days as a Toffee. Mikael Silvestre is also doubtful as he has a slight muscular problem.

After Fulham’s capitulation at the quick-thinking feet of Hull City at the KC Stadium, Hodgson will be eager for them to make amends. While a home win may be reserved for the Cottagers’ dreams, a draw may be a possibility as Arsenal have been particularly wasteful in front of goal of late.

Emmanuel Adebayor missed a number of chances to double the Gunners’ lead last weekend as they played host to Premier League new-boys West Bromwich Albion. If Arsenal want to prove their many doubters wrong then Seyi will need to re-find his goal-scoring touch and their defence will need to be mindful of Fulham’s height.

The Whites contain a height advantage over an Arsenal back four that lacks it. Should both Toure and Gallas start (neither are taller than 6′0”) they may become unstuck from Fulham set-pieces due to the towering Hangeland who stands at an imposing 6′5”. To counter this, Arsene Wenger would normally start his tallest centre-back, Phillipe Senderos (6′3”), but he is still nursing a hamstring injury, so will have to opt for Djourou.

Fulham on the other hand will have a tough time marking Samir Nasri who, along with Deco, is sure to be a contender for signing of the summer.

Arsenal will feel confident going into this game. Fulham have conceded an average of just under three goals per game when the Gunners visit, and their home record last season was nothing short of abysmal.

FORM GUIDE

Fulham

Fulham will be hugely disappointed with their loss last weekend against a team billed by many to break Derby’s dire record of 11 points in a single top tier campaign. In light of the defeat Hodgson admitted it is his side who will have to work hard to avoid the drop. “It’s going to be a long, hard season and we’re expecting a tough fight against relegation.”

Arsenal

Arsenal began with a bang. Scoring the first goal of the new season when Nasri capped a debut performance with a goal. Ironically the early goal sucked the life out of the game, while the second never came, they still did enough to collect three points.

Fulham

16 August: Hull City 2 Fulham 1
9th August: Fulham 2 Torino 2
2nd August: Birmingham City 1 Fulham 1
26th July: Ulsan Hyundai 1 Fulham 2
23rd July: Busan l’Park 1 Fulham 0

Arsenal

16 August: Arsenal 1 West Bromwich Albion 0
13th August: FC Twente 0 Arsenal 2
9th August: Sevilla 1 Arsenal 1
8th August: Ajax 2 Arsenal 3
6th August: Huddersfield 1 Arsenal 2

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Hodgson is likely to start the same side that made the trip to Hull. Regarding Johnson’s fitness, the Fulham manager said: “We do not want to take any risks as he could be out for a further period of time.” Johnson did return to training this week so there may be a place for him on the seven man bench.

Possible Starting XI: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Gera, Murphy, Bullard, Davies, Zamora, Ki-Hyeon.

Arsenal

Toure is still regaining full fitness, Silvestre has a minor muscle problem, and Senderos is still sidelined so Djourou will partner Gallas. Song returns from the Olympics and will be regarded as a preferential option in holding the midfield, compared to Eboue. Diaby is still out, as is Eduardo. Walcott underperformed last weekend and may be benched to give way for Eboue who can balance the wings.

Possible Starting XI: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Song, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fulham

Fulham’s most prized possession Jimmy Bullard could either prove his worth to the Cottagers regarding a new contract, or raise his stock to potential suitors. With only nine days left in the summer window, other Premier League managers will be casting a watchful eye over the midfield schemer.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s recent raid on Marseille’s French attack-minded midfielder is already paying dividends. Samir Nasri had a free-roaming role against the Baggies last weekend and he could be in an equally devastating mood on Saturday.

Prediction

Fulham 0-3 Arsenal

Ref From Alan Dawson - goal.com